Omega Speedmaster – A classic on prominent wrists

When you buy an Omega Speedmaster, you're putting one of the most famous classic watches of all time on your wrist. Whether you choose a classic vintage watch, a newer model, or a limited edition, a Speedmaster is always a great choice. Therefore, it's no surprise that the watch is extremely popular with musicians, actors, and other public figures.

The unique past of the Omega Speedmaster

What for some is the first step toward a proper watch collection may be the highlight of their collection for others. The striking Moonwatch has an unparalleled history: The first Speedmaster, which made its market debut in 1957, became part of the official equipment for NASA astronauts after intensive testing. In July 1969, it was also part of the first moon landing, thus bearing witness to it on the wrists of Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong.

Omega has produced so many different Moonwatch models over the past few decades that it's difficult to keep track of them all. This probably requires a thorough look at the "Moonwatch Only" compendium. In addition to the classic Moonwatch, which is still sold today with Hesalite crystal and a manual caliber, there is also the Mark series with Mark II to Mark V, various automatic models, limited special editions (such as the Speedmaster 57), and some Apollo reminiscences. Omega now also produces modern versions with Co-Axial calibers and ceramic bezels; some even use ceramic cases.

Ryan Reynolds with the Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon

The Canadian-American actor is known for films such as Deadpool, Green Lantern, and Smokin' Aces. His wrist is adorned with a modern version of the Speedmaster. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Dark Side Of The Moon – or DSOTM for short – is an interpretation of the classic Speedmaster, paying homage to the “dark side” of the moon. Not only a Pink Floyd classic, but also a nod to the fact that this view was previously reserved for the Apollo astronauts. With its black dial and black zirconium oxide ceramic case, it has a unique look that is perfectly complemented by the watch's inner workings: the modern Omega Co-Axial caliber 9300. The whole thing can be observed through its large sapphire crystal case back.

Tom Hanks with the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

These gentlemen probably need no introduction. If so, Tom Hanks made himself immortal in 1994 with the eponymous role in Forrest Gump, for which he also won an Oscar. The American actor Bill Paxton, who sadly passed away in 2017, was also known to wear the watch. He became world famous, thematically very fitting, through films like Apollo 13.

However, we would like to delve into the Moonwatch in a little more detail. This classic Speedmaster variant has essentially been produced since the brand's debut. It is also a testament to its quality that it has barely changed in the decades since. This is evident, for example, in the fact that the current reference still uses a hand-wound caliber, namely the 1861 caliber, along with select Plexiglas. This makes the model a truly unique watch. After all, almost all sports watch manufacturers now use sapphire crystal and automatic movements. Newer Moonwatch models also live up to their name and continue to receive NASA certification.

Mark Knopfler with the Speedmaster '57 in Bi-Color

Mark Knopfler, co-founder and guitarist of Dire Straits, has a fondness for the Speedmaster series. Besides the classic vintage Moonwatch, his favorite is the Omega Speedmaster '57 , which isn't often seen on everyday wrists. Yet, with its combination of stainless steel and rose gold, it's the epitome of sports watch elegance. It made its debut at Baselworld 2013. Measuring 41.5 millimeters in diameter, it combines design aspects of the original Speedmaster Ref. 2915 with the modern Co-Axial Caliber 9300. The Speedmaster '57 is available in solid gold, stainless steel, or—for a truly unique look—in a two-tone version.

Daniel Craig with the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary

The former James Bond actor not only enjoyed wearing Omega watches in this iconic role, specifically those from the Seamaster series. He's also not averse to the brand in his private life. Craig apparently prefers pieces from the Speedmaster collection. One of the watches on his wrist is the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary, limited to 7,969 pieces and launched in 2009. Beneath the Speedmaster Professional logo, it bears the inscription "02:56 GMT"—the exact time Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. The Apollo 11 mission emblem can also be found on the subdial at 9 o'clock.

Buzz Aldrin with Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI Limited Edition

We'll end the list with a real astronaut (or two). The favorite of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin is one of the brand's most popular models ever. A total of only 1,014 of these very special watches were produced between 1969 and 1973. Two of them went to the then President and Vice President, 28 went to the astronauts, and 984 of the pieces were authorized for the open market. Buzz Aldrin's favorite watch, the BA145.022, features a special combination of the burgundy bezel and the yellow-gold case. The onyx indices complete the elegant design. Omega launched a re-edition of the watch in 2019, also limited to 1,014 pieces. Anyone who gets their hands on one of these watches can consider themselves truly lucky.