The Watch That Went to the Moon, Moonwatch

There is a watch that went to the moon for the first and only time in human history. It is the Speedmaster 'Moonwatch' from the Swiss luxury watch brand Omega. Discover the fascinating origin story and timeless design features of the Moonwatch from the Speedmaster collection on VIVER.

NASA and Omega

In the midst of the space race during the Cold War in the mid-20th century, The United States launched the Apollo program to achieve the first human landing on the moon. NASA mobilized an astronomical budget and the best talent to become the first. To become the world's strongest nation against the Soviet Union, Which was already claiming the first achievements in space, They quickly searched for companies to provide state-of-the-art equipment.

Speedmaster that passed 11 tests and was approved by NASA ⓒ Wired

NASA searched for a chronograph watch that could survive the extreme environment of space. While concealing their purpose, They requested test watches from various brands, With the condition that the watches must be commercially available. It is said that the brands tested were Rolex, Longines, And Omega chronographs. After various tests, Omega's Speedmaster was finally selected.

The Birth of the Moonwatch

Since 1965, The Speedmaster has been officially certified by NASA and has been used in all manned space flights. In this way, The Speedmaster began to make its name as an essential state-of-the-art watch for space exploration, Accompanying astronauts and the first American spacewalk, And orbiting the moon.

Speedmaster, The first watch to land on the moon ⓒ NASA

On the fateful day of July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and the historic moment when humanity first set foot on the moon was accompanied by the fourth-generation Speedmaster model Ref. ST105.012.

Buzz Aldrin wearing the Speedmaster ST105.012 ⓒ NASA

This model, Which was actually used in lunar exploration, Is the father of the 'Moonwatch Professional' lineup.

Another famous achievement of the Moonwatch, Which completed a total of six manned lunar landing missions, Ironically lies in a failed mission. In 1970, During NASA's third manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 13 had to return immediately due to an oxygen tank explosion. To change its orbit using the moon's gravity and re-enter Earth's atmosphere, The engine had to be fired for exactly 14 seconds. At that time, With all other electronic devices turned off, The Moonwatch's chronograph function was used to time the engine burn, Successfully changing the orbit and allowing the astronauts to return safely to Earth and be rescued.

Speedmaster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Silver Snoopy Award ⓒ Monochrome

To honor the achievements of Omega and the Speedmaster, NASA awarded the 'Silver Snoopy' award, Which is usually given to individuals who have contributed to the space program, To a company and a watch. Omega has released three Moonwatch Snoopy collections to date.

Moonwatch 310.32.42.50.02.001

42mm, Silver

Moonwatch in the Speedmaster Collection

Because it accompanied one of the greatest achievements in human history, Omega cherishes the unique identity of the Moonwatch. Perhaps for this reason, The requirements to be called a Moonwatch are strict. The Speedmaster collection regularly releases special editions and heritage models related to space, But the title 'Moonwatch Professional' is reserved for certain models. The 'Moonwatch Professional' models do not deviate much from the design of the 105.012 worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, Maintaining their heritage.

From left, Speedmaster ‘57, Moonwatch Professional

Most Moonwatches throughout history have been produced in a 42mm size. They feature pencil-shaped hands and three sub-dials. Continuing the tradition of the first Moonwatch, Which used mineral glass, Current models offer both Hesalite crystal, A type of mineral glass, And sapphire crystal, Which is used in most modern watches.

Moonwatch Professional 310.30.42.50.01.002 ⓒ Time & Tide

In addition, All Moonwatches still use a manual winding system. The need to wind the watch by hand at regular intervals is said to be a merit for enthusiasts who enjoy analog sensibility. The latest movement of the Moonwatch, Cal. 3861, Which was certified as a 'Master Chronometer' in 2019, Also adopts a manual winding system, Continuing the tradition.

20th Century Watch Icon

Omega's Moonwatch has nothing left to prove, As it is the watch that achieved the greatest feat of the 20th century. All the achievements and milestones accomplished as a watchmaker are embodied in a single watch, Allowing Omega to continuously look back on its past. Omega is a brand that feels pride in its iconic status, To the extent that it even revived the Cal. 321 movement, Which was installed in the first Moonwatch, And released the heritage series '321'.

Omega X Swatch collaboration product ‘Moonswatch’ collection. ⓒ Swatch

The successful Moonswatch collaboration, Which heated up 2022, Was also a project that captured the public's great desire for the Moonwatch. For a watchmaker, Heritage is the most powerful weapon to prove a brand's value, As it encompasses the history, Achievements, And unique stories of a brand. We hope you will also enjoy Omega's rich story and heritage on VIVER.

Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.001

42mm, Black

Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.002

42mm, Black

Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.005

42mm, Black

Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.006

42mm, Black