When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon in 1969, humanity made history. But strapped to the wrist of Buzz Aldrin was another piece of history in the making - the Omega Speedmaster Professional. This was the first watch worn on the Moon.
Why Omega?
NASA began testing watches for space missions in the early 1960s. They bought several chronographs off the shelf and put them through brutal trials. These tests simulated extreme temperatures, vibrations, shocks, and zero gravity. Only one watch passed: the Omega Speedmaster. It kept ticking when others failed.
In 1965, NASA officially certified the Speedmaster for manned space missions. From that point on, it became standard equipment for American astronauts.
The Moon Mission
Although Neil Armstrong left his Speedmaster inside the lunar module as a backup for a broken timer, Buzz Aldrin wore his on the Moon. That made the Speedmaster the first watch to be worn on the lunar surface.
Omega didn't pay NASA for this role. The selection was based purely on performance. This gave the brand enormous credibility and a lasting place in space exploration history.
Technical Details
The Moonwatch, as it's now called, was powered by the Omega caliber 321 manual-wind movement - a robust and accurate column-wheel chronograph. It had a black dial with high contrast markers for readability in any lighting, and a Hesalite crystal instead of sapphire, which wouldn’t shatter under pressure.
It was also built to be operated with gloves. The chronograph pushers and crown were large enough to handle while suited up. Reliability, not luxury, was the goal.
Legacy
Today, the Speedmaster is still part of NASA’s toolkit and is worn on the International Space Station. Omega has released many versions of the Moonwatch, but the core design remains the same.
Collectors value original Moon-era Speedmasters for their build quality and history. For many watch enthusiasts, owning a Speedmaster isn’t just about design or movement. It’s about wearing a part of the most iconic moment in human exploration.
If you're thinking of adding this legendary timepiece to your collection, here are a few trusted options where you can find the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch online. Prices, availability, and models may vary slightly, but each link leads to a reliable retailer.
| Store | Link |
|---|---|
| Ebay | Buy on Ebay |
| The Luxury Closet | Buy on The Luxury Closet |
Final Thought
The Omega Speedmaster wasn’t made for the Moon. But it made it there - and back - without missing a beat. That’s the kind of watch that earns its place in history.
The Omega Speedmaster holds a legendary status in horological history as the first watch worn on the moon. Its journey from Earth to space marks a milestone in both watchmaking and human achievement. To explore the broader story of how timekeeping has evolved through the ages, visit The History of Watches: From Early Timekeeping to Modern Masterpieces.
Beyond its technical feats, the Speedmaster has become a cultural icon, appearing in films and representing milestones in science and fashion alike. For more examples of watches with cultural significance, see Watches in Culture and Cinema: Famous Movie Watches and Their Impact.
Due to its historical and cultural importance, the Omega Speedmaster is also one of the most expensive watches on the market today, prized by collectors around the world.