What is the History Behind Omega Speedmaster Watches?

racing chronograph to being part of NASA’s lunar missions, Speedmaster watches are remembered for their meticulous timekeeping. By reading this content, you will be able to know about the history behind Omega Speedmaster watches.

Speedmaster, the name that delights the globetrotting watch users, have enriched Omega with its unparalleled time-telling since 1957. The name “Speedmaster” was selected for its tachymeter scale bezel that was earlier used in Seamaster and Railmaster models.

CK 2915 – The First Speedmaster:

Composed by the Swiss Claude Baillod, this Speedmaster timepiece is also popular as the “Broad Arrow”. The first Speedmaster model with its 39mm case steel case included broad arrow-shaped hands that justified its name. Its dial was an instance of perfection in balance and proportions. It had straight lugs, high-contrast index markers and the curved Plexiglas crystal. Powered by the calibre 321 movement which was unveiled in 1942 as a joint product between Omega and Lemania, the then subsidiary of the brand. Later in the year 1946, the movement was improvised by Albert Piguet of Lemania.

         Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012 – The First Watch On Moon:

1969, the historic year for both Omega and Speedmaster. NASA decided to provide their astronauts with Omega Speedmaster for their Apollo 11, the first manned lunar mission. It was on 20^th of July, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of moon, but he left his watch as a backup. Sometimes after, Buzz Aldrin joined the mission with his Omega Speedmaster Professional on his wrist thus making the watch “the first watch on moon”.

To mark this achievement, Omega decided to engrave the phrases “The first watch worn on the Moon” and “Flight qualified by NASA for all manned space missions”.  This watch was energized by the calibre 321 movement.

Evolving through times

After the glorious mission in 1969, Omega Speedmaster watches were chosen by NASA for their space programs. Its Professional watches are said to be the most tested in the world for overcoming some rigorous tests done by the MIR crew.

Omega underwent numerous variations unlocking automatic movement, sapphire crystal versions replacing the Plexiglas. In 1970, Omega inaugurated the Alaska Project under Pierre Chopard that saw the changed dial of the original Speedmaster Professional from black to white.

Introduction of automatic movement was done by the brand through the Speedmaster Automatic MKIII and MKIV models.

Revisiting the glorious past:

In remembrance of the historic tie-up with NASA, the brand brought out two Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 “40^th Anniversary” Limited Edition watches in 2009 to celebrate the first manned lunar landing. From the two Omega watches, one was in stainless steel, the other in platinum and 18 Ct yellow gold.

Omega always stays ahead, so it is now constructing a Speedmaster able to escort for a mission that is slated for 2030 to Mars where temperatures vary from -133degree C to 27degree C. So, it is good news for the Omega fans.