Omega Speedmaster – A classic on prominent wrists
When you buy an Omega Speedmaster, you are 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 good choice. It is therefore hardly surprising that the watch is extremely popular with musicians, actors and other public figures.
The unique history of the Omega Speedmaster
What is the first step towards a proper watch collection for some may be the highlight of their collection for others. The distinctive Moonwatch has an unparalleled history behind it: The very 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 then also part of, and thus a witness to, the first moon landing on the wrists of Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
Over the past decades, Omega has produced so many different Moonwatch models that it is difficult to keep track of them all. That 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-winding calibre, there is, among others, the Mark series with Mark II to Mark V, various automatic models, limited special editions (such as the Speedmaster 57) and several Apollo tributes. Meanwhile, Omega also produces modern versions with Co-Axial calibres and ceramic bezels; in some cases even ceramic cases are used.
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, shorter and somewhat simpler, DSOTM – is an interpretation of the classic Speedmaster in the form of a homage to the “dark side” of the moon. Not only a Pink Floyd classic, but also an allusion to the fact that this view had so far been 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 inner workings of the watch: There, the modern Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300 is at work. All of this can be observed through its large sapphire crystal caseback.
Tom Hanks with the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
This gentleman probably needs no introduction. But just in case: Tom Hanks made himself immortal in 1994 at the latest with the title 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 for wearing the watch. Fittingly, he became world-famous through films such as Apollo 13.
For this reason, however, we would like to go into a little more detail about the Moonwatch. This classic Speedmaster variant has essentially been produced since the model’s debut. It also speaks for its quality that it has hardly been changed in the decades since. This is reflected, for example, in the fact that the current reference still features a manual-winding calibre, namely calibre 1861, together with selected 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 bicolour
Mark Knopfler, co-founder and guitarist of Dire Straits, has a soft spot for the Speedmaster line. Besides the classic vintage Moonwatch, his favourites include the Omega Speedmaster ‘57, which is not seen on wrists very often in everyday life. Yet with its combination of stainless steel and red gold, it is the epitome of sports watch elegance. It made its debut at Baselworld 2013. Within its 41.5-millimetre diameter, design elements of the original Speedmaster Ref. 2915 are combined with the modern Co-Axial calibre 9300. The Speedmaster ‘57 is available in solid gold, stainless steel or – particularly individual – in bicolour.
Daniel Craig with the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary
The former James Bond actor liked to wear Omega watches not only in this iconic role, specifically those from the Seamaster line. In private, too, he is not averse to the brand. Here, Craig apparently tends more towards 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, which was launched in 2009. Beneath the Speedmaster Professional lettering it bears the inscription “02:56 GMT” – the exact time when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission emblem can also be found on the totaliser at 9 o’clock.
Buzz Aldrin with the Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI Limited Edition
We end the list with a real astronaut (or rather two). The favourite of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin is one of the most popular models the brand has ever made. In total, 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 authorised for the open market. Buzz Aldrin’s favourite watch, the BA145.022, features a special combination of a burgundy bezel and a yellow gold case. The onyx indices round off the elegant design. In 2019 Omega launched a re-edition of the watch, which was also limited to 1,014 pieces. Anyone who gets hold of one of these pieces can consider themselves truly lucky.
