Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer, ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002, 2022

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

There are few watches whose history is quite as recognisable as that of the Omega Speedmaster. First introduced in 1957, the Speedmaster began life as a precision chronograph, but its story took a remarkable turn during the 1960s when it became closely associated with NASA and manned spaceflight. Following rigorous testing, the Speedmaster was qualified by NASA for use on its missions in 1965 and subsequently accompanied astronauts during the Apollo programme. Its defining moment came in July 1969, when the Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 11. It has been associated with lunar exploration ever since, earning the enduring “Moonwatch” name and becoming one of the most historically significant chronographs ever produced. The current generation manages the difficult trick of moving the Speedmaster forward without losing the character that made it famous. Its styling takes considerable inspiration from the fourth-generation Speedmaster of the space-race era, while the movement represents a significant technical evolution. At its heart is Omega’s calibre 3861, a manual-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement that brings modern standards of precision, performance and magnetic resistance to the traditional Moonwatch format. What’s On Offer This is a 2022 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, reference 310.30.42.50.01.002, with papers dated 13th May 2022. The 42mm stainless-steel case retains the unmistakable asymmetric Speedmaster profile, complemented by its black anodised aluminium tachymeter bezel. The black step dial is wonderfully familiar, with three recessed subsidiary dials, luminous hour markers and hands, an applied Omega logo and the classic Speedmaster Professional signature. This is the desirable sapphire version of the Moonwatch, with sapphire crystal protecting the dial and a sapphire exhibition caseback revealing the calibre 3861 beneath (Nicknamed the Sapphire Sandwich). The movement is arguably every bit as interesting to look at as the dial, with its intricate architecture and contrasting rhodium-plated and gold-toned components clearly visible through the back. The manually wound calibre 3861 is a 26-jewel Co-Axial Master Chronometer chronograph movement with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. It is presented on its stainless-steel bracelet and comes complete with its Omega box and papers. A superb modern interpretation of perhaps the most famous chronograph ever made, combining the unmistakable appearance and manual-winding character of the Moonwatch with the added appeal of sapphire crystal and a beautifully exposed movement.