What types of watches are there in Omega's signature collection, the Speedmaster? We'll explore the origins and history of the Speedmaster, and introduce the features of each series with photos. Take this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Speedmaster.
The birth and history of the Speedmaster
Omega's Speedmaster is a series that has been loved by fans for 66 years since its release in 1957. Let's start by looking back at the history of the Speedmaster, starting from its birth.
The birth of the Professional Line
Omega's Professional line was born in 1957. The Speedmaster, Seamaster and Railmaster are the three collections that represent Omega today.
The Seamaster is aimed at divers exploring the ocean floor, the Railmaster is aimed at railway workers and engineers, and the Speedmaster was originally created as a racing model and was highly praised by motorsport and rally drivers.
The highly visible design, which made it easy to read the elapsed time, attracted the attention of racers and those involved in racing, and this design has been carried over to the current Speedmaster Racing.
The Speedmaster and Spaceflight History
After establishing itself as a racing model, the Speedmaster also attracted the attention of astronauts and space agencies. In 1962, Walter Schirra wore a Speedmaster when he took off into space on America's first manned space flight, Project Mercury.
In 1965, the Speedmaster underwent rigorous testing and was certified by NASA, and was deemed fit for space flight. It was also used in the moon landing in July 1969. It was given the name "Moonwatch" because it was worn on the moon.
This series is widely known as the watch worn by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and continues to be chosen by many space agencies today.
Typical types of Speedmaster
The most representative model of the Speedmaster is the Moonwatch. Let's introduce the series that has a deep connection to space flight. If you have a fascination with the moon and space, this is the series you should get your hands on first.
Moonwatch Professional
Manual winding (Cal. 3861). 26 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.2mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,111,000 yen (tax included).
The Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional currently has a lineup of 21 models, including the Hesalite glass (reinforced plastic) model, which is available with either a nylon fabric strap or a stainless steel bracelet.
The sapphire crystal is available with either a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet for the stainless steel model.
The Moonwatch Professional adopts the style of the fourth generation watch from 1964, which was used for the moon landing. It is a model with a classic atmosphere. The movement is Cal. 3861, which has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Moonwatch Professional Gold Model
Manual-winding (Cal. 3861). 26 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Moonshine™ gold case (42mm diameter, 13.2mm thick). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 6,787,000 yen (tax included).
The Moonwatch Professional is available in gold models with 18K gold cases, primarily made from Omega's proprietary Sedna™ gold, Moonshine™ gold, and Canopus™ gold.
The gold model is available with either an 18K gold bracelet or a leather strap.
Sedna™ Gold is a rose gold alloy with a distinctive reddish hue, named after the asteroid Sedna.
Moonshine™ Gold is a yellow gold alloy with a soft, ethereal appearance reminiscent of moonlight. Canopus™ Gold is a white gold alloy named after a star. It has a whiteness and brightness unlike any other 18K gold.
Dark Side of the Moon
Manual winding (Cal. 3869). 26 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Ceramic case (diameter 44.25 mm, thickness 13 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 2,266,000 yen (tax included).
The "Dark Side of the Moon" is a homage model to the Speedmaster Professional used during the moon landing. Featuring a black color scheme, the collection includes stylish watches with a design befitting the "Dark Side" name.
The "Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8" was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission, the first to orbit the moon, and will be updated in January 2024. It features a skeletonized version of the manual-winding movement Cal. 3861 used in the current Speedmaster Moonwatch, replaced with the Cal. 3869, featuring a black baseplate and bridges with a relief of the moon's surface. This makes it a Master Chronometer-certified watch, with magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gauss.
This series also includes models in colors other than black, such as the "Gray Side of the Moon" and "White Side of the Moon."
Speedmaster Heritage Model
The Speedmaster has heritage models that recreate masterpieces. We will introduce the characteristics of each series and the main types. Fans who love classic designs will be attracted to the heritage models.
Speedmaster '57
Manual winding (Cal. 9906). 44 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 12.99mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,111,000 yen (tax included).
The Speedmaster '57 is a series that strongly retains the image of the original Speedmaster, which was released in 1957. The campaign features George Clooney and Hyun Bin, showcasing the charm of the Speedmaster '57 in driving scenes.
The Speedmaster '57 is available in two types: a stainless steel bracelet and a leather strap. Including the different dial and case colors, there are eight different types to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.
The watch is equipped with the Cal. 9906 movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and a vibration rate of 28,800 vph. As a thin, hand-wound movement, it is compact and delicate, giving it a classic feel.
Speedmaster Caliber 321 Canopus Gold™
Manual-winding (Cal. 321). 17 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18K Canopus Gold™ case (diameter 38.6mm, thickness 13.9mm). Water resistant to 6 bar. Price: 14,520,000 yen (tax included).
There are several Speedmaster models powered by the caliber 321, the famous movement that powered the Speedmasters used in the moon landing project.
The Caliber 321 series is a watch that has been updated to match the specifications of the time. The Cal. 321 movement, which gives the series its name, has a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, a low beat of 18,000 vibrations per hour, and a distinctive vintage design.
The Speedmaster Caliber 321 Canopus Gold™, an example of a model equipped with the Caliber 321, is a homage to the first Speedmaster, the CK2915-1, released in 1957.
The case is made of white gold alloy, and the black onyx dial features white gold hands and indexes. It features a sophisticated, classic design.
Speedmaster 2 Counter
There are Speedmaster models with two counters. Let's take a look at the two-counter series.
Speedmaster Chronoscope
Manual winding (Cal. 9908). 44 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 43mm, thickness 12.8mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,111,000 yen (tax included).
The Chronoscope is known as a model that follows in the footsteps of the "chronograph wristwatch" that has been around since the 1940s.
The dials of the Chronoscope series feature three chronograph scales: a tachymeter scale for measuring speed and distance, a pulsometer scale for measuring pulse, and a telemeter scale for measuring distance using the speed of sound.
The movement is Cal. 9908, which has a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and a mechanism beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The Chronoscope series is available in multiple designs, allowing you to enjoy different color schemes. You can choose between a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, making it a model suitable for a variety of occasions.
Speedmaster Moonphase
Automatic movement (Cal. 9904). 54 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44.25mm, thickness 16.9mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
Like other models in the series, the Speedmaster Moonphase is a certified model that meets the standards of the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). METAS conducts eight precision tests, and only watches that meet its strict standards are certified as a Master Chronometer.
This high-performance model also features a Liquidmetal tachymeter scale, giving it a unique feel that sets it apart from other Speedmasters. It also features a moon phase indicator, allowing you to accurately track the age of the moon. Adjustment is required every 10 years, and can be easily done by simply turning the crown a few times.
Another feature is that the moon looks as close to the real thing as possible, thanks to the use of clear NASA photos, and you can even see the footprints of astronauts.
Each model is equipped with either the Caliber 9904 or 9905. Both movements are automatic, have a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, and beat at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Other Speedmasters
The Speedmaster is made up of numerous series. In addition to the Moonwatch and Heritage models, there are plenty of other attractive models. Let's take a look at the series you should know about when learning about the different types of Speedmasters.
Speedmaster 38mm
Automatic winding (Cal. 3330). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 52 hours. Stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold case (diameter 38mm, thickness 14.7mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,815,000 yen (tax included).
The Speedmaster 38mm is a unisex model that features a slim strap, allowing both men and women to enjoy the Omega Speedmaster.
The case and strap buckle are made of 18K gold, and the bezel can be decorated with diamonds, giving it a luxurious design. The case back is engraved with the Speedmaster's symbol, the Seahorse.
If you prefer a more subtle design, the Speedmaster 38mm might be a good choice.
The cappuccino model features an attractive, light-toned strap and a tachymeter scale on a brown ring inside the bezel. The hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova, giving the watch a refreshing and bright impression.
Speedmaster X-33
Quartz (Cal. 5622). Ti case (diameter 45mm, thickness 14.9mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Price: 1,078,000 yen (tax included).
The Speedmaster X-33 comes in several varieties, including the Skywalker and Marstimer.
The Skywalker is an advanced model of the Speedmaster Professional X-33, released in 1998. Certified by the European Space Agency (ESA), it offers a wide range of features for both professional and general use.
The Mars Timer was developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency. It can be fitted with either a titanium bracelet or a NATO strap, and is equipped with features for exploring Mars, including the ability to display the time on Mars.
The Speedmaster series offers a wide variety of models
Omega's Speedmaster comes in a variety of styles. The most well-known series is the Moonwatch, which inherits the model actually worn by astronauts on space flights and has a vintage finish.
One of the features of the Speedmaster is that there are many different types to choose from, such as heritage models that recreate classic models from the past, and models that recreate the movements used during the moon landing. If you're thinking about getting a Speedmaster, it's a good idea to first pick a series that interests you, and then decide on the design and type of strap.
