Celebrations are in order as 50 years have passed since American astronauts Neil Armstrong and ‘Buzz’ Aldrin took their first steps onto the moon in 1969, marking a great leap forward for man – and the watchmakers responsible for creating a watch to be worn in outer space, Omega.
Indeed, as any watch connoisseur is well aware of, during the iconic mission to the moon, Omega Speedmaster watches graced the astronauts’ wrists and to celebrate the earth-defying achievements of man Omega has released the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 special 50th anniversary limited edition. However, it was actually in 1957 that the Swiss luxury timepiece manufacturers first launched their OMEGA Speedmaster which soon after became known as ‘pilots’ choice’ and was adopted by the US Air Force.
Speed up to 1964, NASA’s space programme was really ready for take-off and officially began the search to find a watch capable enough to accompany their astronauts far beyond the Earth’s limits. In the end, Omega prevailed on top, and has been the supplier to NASA’s Human Space Flight Program ever since.
Throughout the years Omega has released many Speedmaster watches but what makes the new OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 – which is limited to only 1,014 pieces – so special is its exclusive 18K gold alloy and brand new manual-winding Master Chronometer calibre 3861. The 18K Moonshine gold is said to be inspired by shining moonlight against a dark night sky; it also maintains its shine longer than the traditional 18K yellow gold. Meanwhile, the 42mm case of the timepiece features a asymmetrical case-band that has been now been used for four generations of Speedmaster watches.
Adding a unique touch to the watch is the engraving on the outer case-back that reads, “1969-2019” with the limited edition number highlighted in burgundy. Vintage lovers will also rejoice in the fact that the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 features a number of classic Omega logos throughout the design – including on the dial, the crown and the clasp.
Omega has certainly helped to create one small tick for man and one giant tock for mankind.