Speedmaster

About The Collection

About the Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most historically significant watch collections due to its verified track record. In 1965, NASA selected the Speedmaster as the official watch for all crewed space missions after it passed a series of demanding endurance tests.

Four years later, the watch appeared on the wrists of astronauts during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing mission. This moment firmly placed the Speedmaster in the history of human exploration.

Today, the Speedmaster collection includes various automatic models, chronographs with advanced materials, and special editions that commemorate different space missions. At Luxehouze Singapore, each Omega is presented after a detailed verification of authenticity and condition.

History of the Speedmaster

The Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 alongside the Omega Seamaster 300 and the Omega Railmaster. Together, these three watches were referred to by Omega as the “Professional Trio.”

The first model, the Speedmaster CK2915, was designed by Claude Baillod with inspiration from Italian racing dashboard instruments. It was a sport chronograph powered by the Lemania-based Calibre 321.

The path to space began unintentionally. Some astronauts from the NASA purchased Speedmaster watches privately from retail stores before the formal selection process for the American space program.

In 1965, NASA conducted official testing to determine a suitable watch for space missions. The Speedmaster, specifically reference ST 105.003, was the only watch to pass all of the extreme endurance tests. These tests included exposure to high temperatures, vacuum, shock, humidity, and pressure.

On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore the Speedmaster Professional ST 105012 while walking on the surface of the Moon. Meanwhile, Neil Armstrong left his Speedmaster inside the lunar module as a backup for a malfunctioning timer.

Since then, the Speedmaster has accompanied more than 50 NASA space missions. During the Apollo 13 mission, astronaut Jack Swigert used the Speedmaster to time a critical 14-second engine burn that helped the crew safely return to Earth. For this contribution, Omega later received the “Snoopy Award” from NASA.

Key Characteristics of the Speedmaster

The Speedmaster has several consistent characteristics across its different variations, especially in the Moonwatch line, which serves as the main reference for the collection.

A three-register chronograph layout with a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a visual design that has defined the Speedmaster since 1957.
Manual-winding Calibre 3861 in the current Moonwatch models, a direct evolution of the movement historically associated with NASA missions, now certified as a Master Chronometer.
Hesalite crystal on the standard version rather than sapphire. This material was chosen because it is more impact resistant and does not shatter into sharp fragments.
An asymmetrical case with crown guards, a design introduced with the ST 105.012 generation to protect the winding crown.
Distinctive lyre-shaped lugs that have been part of the Speedmaster’s visual identity for more than five decades.
Available in materials such as stainless steel, Moonshine Gold, Canopus Gold, ceramic, and platinum across different editions.
Water resistance of 50 meters on the Moonwatch, suitable for daily wear but not intended for diving.
A black dial with contrasting sub-registers on classic models, offering strong legibility in low-light conditions.

Popular Omega Speedmaster Models

1. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch continues the lineage of the watch associated with the Moon missions. The current reference, introduced in 2021, uses the manual-winding Calibre 3861, a Master Chronometer movement developed as a direct evolution of the earlier Calibre 861 used during the Apollo era.

Its design returns to several historical details, including the step dial and the “dot over ninety” tachymeter marking, elements closely associated with the original ST 105.012 generation.

The standard version features hesalite crystal on the front with a solid caseback, reflecting the most historically authentic configuration. A “sapphire sandwich” version is also available for those who prefer a transparent caseback to view the movement. The updated five-link bracelet offers improved comfort and is inspired by bracelet designs from the Apollo period.

2. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon was first introduced in 2013. This series uses ceramic for the case, bezel, and often the bracelet, a material known for its light weight and strong scratch resistance.

Recent variations are available in several ceramic tones, including black, white, grey, and brown, each referencing different themes related to space exploration.

Most models in this series use the automatic Calibre 9300 or 9301, unlike the Moonwatch which relies on a manual movement. The dial design often incorporates cosmic-inspired materials such as meteorite, opal, or complex ceramic finishes.

3. Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321

The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 uses the original Calibre 321 movement that powered the first Speedmasters sent into space. Production of this movement stopped in 1968 and was later replaced by the Calibre 861, which was easier to manufacture.

In 2019, Omega reconstructed the movement through a full digital process using three-dimensional scanning of an original watch worn on the Moon by astronaut Eugene Cernan.

The first modern version appeared in platinum with a dial made from lunar meteorite. Later, Omega introduced a stainless steel version inspired by the historical “Ed White” Speedmaster with a 39.7 mm case.

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FAQ – Omega Speedmaster

1. Why does the Speedmaster use hesalite crystal instead of sapphire?

Hesalite crystal, a type of acrylic, is more resistant to impact than sapphire. If damaged, it does not break into sharp fragments. This characteristic was one of the reasons NASA favored it during testing. In everyday use, hesalite can develop fine scratches, but it can also be polished. For those who prefer a transparent caseback, Omega offers a separate “sapphire sandwich” version.

2. Is the Speedmaster Moonwatch still used by NASA today?

The Speedmaster Moonwatch still holds certification from NASA for EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) and remains the only watch with this qualification. In modern missions, astronauts rely on advanced digital instruments, but the Speedmaster continues to serve as a reliable mechanical backup tested under extreme conditions.

3. What is the difference between Calibre 3861 and Calibre 321?

Calibre 321 was the original movement used in the Speedmaster from 1957 to 1968. Calibre 3861 is the movement used in the current standard Moonwatch and is now certified as a Master Chronometer with resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Calibre 321 returned in limited production in 2019 and is used in the Speedmaster 321 line. Both are manual-winding chronograph movements with a similar three-register layout.