Omega - Speedmaster Professional

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, often referred to as the "Moonwatch," is one of the most iconic chronographs in horological history. Introduced in 1957 as part of Omega’s Speedmaster line, it was originally designed for motorsport timing, featuring a robust manual-wind movement and a highly legible black dial with contrasting white hands and markers. Its tachymeter bezel was groundbreaking at the time, allowing wearers to measure speed over a fixed distance, which quickly made the watch popular among racing enthusiasts as well as professionals needing precise timing capabilities.

The Speedmaster Professional’s legacy was cemented when NASA selected it for its astronauts in the 1960s, following rigorous testing for extreme conditions such as high and low temperatures, shocks, vibrations, and vacuum exposure. In 1969, the watch famously accompanied Buzz Aldrin onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, becoming the first watch worn on the Moon. This achievement earned it the enduring nickname "Moonwatch." The reliable manual-wind caliber 321 and later calibers like the 861 and 1861 inside the Speedmaster Professional have been revered for their precision and durability, making the watch a symbol of human exploration and technical excellence.

Over the decades, the Speedmaster Professional has maintained a timeless design largely unchanged from the original Moonwatch, which has contributed to its classic status. Omega has released various limited editions and commemorative models celebrating space exploration milestones, each still preserving the essential features that define the Speedmaster: a 42mm case, a hesalite crystal for authenticity or sapphire options for modern durability, and the iconic chronograph subdials. Collectors and enthusiasts appreciate the Speedmaster Professional not only for its storied past but also for its enduring functionality, craftsmanship, and connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.