Omega Speedmaster: History, Models & The Moonwatch Legacy

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic wristwatches ever created. Originally designed in 1957 as a professional chronograph for motorsport enthusiasts, it went on to achieve legendary status as the first watch worn on the Moon. Nicknamed the “Moonwatch”, the Speedmaster became forever linked with NASA’s Apollo missions and remains a symbol of human achievement, endurance, and exploration.

Today, the Speedmaster collection includes a wide range of models—from faithful recreations of the original Moonwatch to bold modern variations like the Dark Side of the Moon. Whether you are a collector, a watch enthusiast, or simply curious about its history, the Speedmaster offers one of the richest stories in the world of horology.

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History of the Omega Speedmaster

Origins in 1957

The Omega Speedmaster was first introduced in 1957 as part of Omega’s Professional line of tool watches. Alongside the Seamaster 300 and the Railmaster, the Speedmaster was built for precision and durability. Its purpose was clear: to serve as a high-performance chronograph for racing drivers and engineers.

The very first Speedmaster, reference CK2915, was designed by Claude Baillod and featured the now-iconic tachymeter bezel—the first wristwatch to ever move the tachymeter scale from the dial to the bezel. Powered by the legendary Caliber 321, the CK2915 set the foundation for what would later become one of the most celebrated watches in history.

NASA Certification (1965)

In the early 1960s, NASA began searching for a reliable wristwatch that could withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight. Several brands were tested under rigorous conditions, including high and low temperatures, pressure changes, humidity, shocks, and vibrations.

The Omega Speedmaster was the only watch to pass all the tests. In March 1965, it was officially certified by NASA for all manned space missions. Astronauts on the Gemini program soon began wearing the Speedmaster, proving its reliability in the most challenging environments.

Apollo 11 and the Moon Landing (1969)

The Speedmaster’s place in history was cemented on July 20, 1969, when astronaut Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional. This achievement earned the watch its famous nickname, the “Moonwatch”.

From that moment on, the Speedmaster became more than a tool—it became a symbol of human exploration, endurance, and the triumph of engineering. To this day, every new Speedmaster Moonwatch carries that heritage on the wrist.

Evolution Through the Decades

After its role in the Apollo missions, the Speedmaster continued to evolve while staying true to its original design DNA. Each generation of movement marked an important step in the collection’s story:

• Caliber 321 (1957–1968)
  The original movement of the Speedmaster, renowned for its column-wheel chronograph mechanism and robustness. Collectors prize the Cal. 321 for its role in the Moonwatch worn during Apollo missions.

• Caliber 861 (1968–1996)
  In 1968, Omega replaced the 321 with the Caliber 861. This new movement was easier to produce and more robust, with a cam-lever chronograph system. It powered the Speedmaster through the later Apollo missions and the Skylab era.

• Caliber 1861 / 1863 (1996–2021)
  A direct descendant of the 861, the Caliber 1861 became the standard Moonwatch movement for decades. The 1863 variant featured a more decorative finish and display caseback. These movements kept the Moonwatch in production almost unchanged for over 20 years.

• Caliber 3861 (2021–present)
  The most recent upgrade brought Omega’s Co-Axial escapement and METAS Master Chronometer certification to the Moonwatch. This modernized the Speedmaster while preserving its heritage design, making it more accurate and resistant to magnetic fields.

Omega Speedmaster History Timeline

Year	Milestone
1957	Omega launches the first Speedmaster (CK2915), part of the “Professional” tool watch trilogy alongside the Seamaster 300 and Railmaster.
1959	Second-generation Speedmaster (CK2998) introduced, worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during Mercury-Atlas 8 in 1962.
1962	First Speedmaster worn in space by Wally Schirra (personal watch).
1965	NASA officially certifies the Omega Speedmaster for all manned space missions after extensive testing.
1965	Ed White wears a Speedmaster during the first American spacewalk (Gemini IV).
1967	Speedmaster ref. 145.012 introduced with Caliber 321, used by Apollo astronauts.
1969	Buzz Aldrin wears the Speedmaster during Apollo 11 — first watch on the Moon, earning the nickname “Moonwatch.”
1970	Speedmaster plays crucial role in Apollo 13 mission, timing critical 14-second engine burn to return safely to Earth.
1972	Speedmaster becomes standard NASA issue for Apollo, Skylab, and Apollo-Soyuz missions.
1978	NASA re-certifies Speedmaster for Space Shuttle missions.
1985	Omega introduces the Speedmaster Automatic “Reduced” (smaller, automatic version).
1998	Launch of the X-33 “Mars Watch” designed for professional pilots and astronauts.
2003	Omega introduces the Speedmaster Professional “Broad Arrow” with Co-Axial escapement.
2011	Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” debuts, featuring a full ceramic case.
2015	Apollo 13 45th Anniversary “Silver Snoopy Award” limited edition released.
2019	Omega celebrates the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 with commemorative Moonwatch editions in steel and Moonshine™ gold.
2020	Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary edition launched, with animated caseback.
2021	New Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional introduced with Caliber 3861, METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer.

Key Speedmaster Models

Over the decades, Omega has expanded the Speedmaster family into several distinctive lines. While the Moonwatch remains the most famous, other models offer fresh interpretations of the classic chronograph.

• Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
  The flagship model, almost unchanged in design since the 1960s. It remains the closest descendant of the watches worn on the Moon, with its iconic Hesalite crystal option, manual-wind movement, and NASA heritage.

• Speedmaster ’57
  A tribute to the very first Speedmaster released in 1957, this model revives vintage design cues such as the broad arrow hands and straight lugs. Inside, it features Omega’s modern Co-Axial movements, blending retro looks with cutting-edge watchmaking.

• Speedmaster Racing
  Drawing on the Speedmaster’s motorsport roots, this line includes models with sportier dials, colorful accents, and automatic chronograph movements. They reflect the watch’s original role as a driver’s chronograph before it became the astronaut’s choice.

• Dark Side of the Moon
  A bold, contemporary interpretation of the Speedmaster crafted entirely in black ceramic. Introduced in 2013, it showcases Omega’s technical innovation while retaining the Speedmaster’s unmistakable DNA. It has since expanded into variants like Grey Side of the Moon and White Side of the Moon.

• Limited and Special Editions
  Omega frequently releases commemorative editions to mark anniversaries of space missions or milestones in the Speedmaster’s history. These include highly collectible models like the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary editions and the Speedy Tuesday limited releases.

Cultural Impact and Collectability

The Omega Speedmaster is more than a watch—it’s a cultural icon. Its direct connection to human space exploration makes it one of the most storied timepieces in history.

• Symbol of Human Achievement
  Worn during the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the Speedmaster became a symbol of mankind’s ability to push boundaries and achieve the impossible. Few watches can claim such a direct link to one of humanity’s greatest milestones.

• Collector’s Favorite
  Vintage Speedmasters, especially pre-Moon models and rare reference numbers, are highly sought after in the collector’s market. Some examples fetch impressive prices at auctions, rivaling even luxury icons like the Rolex Daytona.

• Pop Culture Presence
  The Speedmaster often appears in films, literature, and music, reinforcing its reputation as not just a tool watch, but a style statement. Celebrities, astronauts, and watch enthusiasts alike wear it proudly.

• Ongoing Legacy
  Omega continues to nurture the Speedmaster legacy by releasing new versions while keeping the spirit of the original alive. This balance of heritage and innovation keeps the Speedmaster relevant to both new buyers and seasoned collectors.

Conclusion: A Watch That Defined History

The Omega Speedmaster is not just another chronograph—it is the watch that accompanied humanity to the Moon and stood the test of time as both a professional tool and a cultural symbol. Its legacy of precision, durability, and timeless design makes it one of the most iconic watches ever created.

For anyone looking to own a piece of history, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional remains the ultimate choice.