July is the month of Omega’s Speedmaster watches. Not only the Moonlanding will be celebrated (on the 21th of July 2:56 GMT), also the last Apollo mission which dates back to July 1975 is celebrated. The ASTP (Apollo-Soyuz Test Project) consisted out of a number of joint scientific experiments, but was – of course – mainly meant to see whether combined (manned) missions between two super powers would be possible in the future. Mission ASTP started on the 15th of July and returned on the 24th of July 1975.
Now, I think that my track record on blogging and writing about the Omega Speedmaster models is something I can be a bit proud of, but I never took the time to document the Apollo-Soyuz special editions. If you are looking for a story on the ‘actual’ moonwatches, please make sure to read my article on the Speedies that have been used during the moon landing on the 21st of July 1969 (you can find there articles here and here).
Omega has commemorated the Apollo-Soyuz in 1975 with a Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.0022 restricted to a number of 500 pieces. This model had an inscription (engraving) on the back in both English and Russian. The dial had the red and blue Apollo – Soyuz logo at 12 o’clock. Once in a while, a vintage Apollo-Soyuz Speedmaster Professional pops up and can be had for approx. 10.000 Euro. Later on, in 1995 and 2000, Omega created another Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz special. Below the Speedmaster that Omega introduced in 1975, featuring the handwound Lemania based cal.861 movement:
As you can see, nothing much different from the original Moonwatch, except for the logo and the case back. The bracelet looks a bit like an Oyster bracelet from Rolex, but it is in fact an original Omega bracelet by the reference of 1168.
This year, Omega commemorates the 35 anniversary of the combined space mission by another Speedmaster Professional, ref. 311.30.42.30.99.001. An ‘ordinary’ stainless steel Moonwatch, but this time with an incredible looking dial made out of meteorite and a very impressive engraving in the case back of the watch. My friends over at Watch-Site (on-line dealer) lend me this amazing Speedmaster Pro Meteorite to play with and – of course – take some pictures of it.
This watch has all the features of the current stainless steel Moonwatch, including a sapphire crystal instead of the more ‘authentic’ Hesalite crystal. As you can see, the dial is made out of a dark coloured piece of meteorite and the sub dials have this grey-ish colour. Also made out of meteorite of course. The dial is just stunning, unfortunately the blue-ish glare on the picture above is caused by the anti-reflective coating. Below, you can see a close-up of the dial from a high-res picture I took:
The cool thing about a meteorite dial is that no dial has the same structure. Of course, we’ve seen dials made out of meteorite before (like the Rolex Daytona as you can see here at Hodinkee) but this time it makes a bit more sense. The case back of this Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz, keeping the hand wound caliber 1861 safe and sound, has been engraved with the two space crafts from both the USA and the Sovjet Union and the names of the cosmonauts and astronauts involved (Alexey A. Leonov, Valery N. Kubasov, Thomas P. Stafford, Vance D. Brand and Donald K. Slayton).
The two astronauts and the cosmonaut on the front row are clearly wearing Omega Speedmaster watches on the picture above. At least I could identify them on the full size version of this picture, without a doubt. Below you can see the case back bearing the engraving of the space crafts as pictured above as a ‘model’ in front of the flight crew.
Omega really makes this Apolly-Soyuz or ‘Speedy Meteorite’ stand out from the regular models, the box has this meteorite colour and has a nice leather interior. You need to push a button before the box will open, and then the watch is located on a leather pillow on the left and the Apollo-Soyuz emblem is located on the right part of the box.
I didn’t photograph the white card board outer box, as you probably can imagine what it looks like. The booklet and papers of this watch are located in the card board box, as well as the certificate stating the unique number of the watch (of a total of 1975 pieces world wide).
The watch wears very comfortable, and I actually find it more comfortable than the original Moonwatch with Hesalite crystal. I own a 145.012ST (caliber 321) from 1967 which weighs significantly less than this sapphire crystal model (the bracelet of the modern versions are also heavier of course).
For the rest, the watch wears and behaves like any other similar Speedmaster model. The Lemania based movement is hand wound and based on the original 861 caliber (now 1861), which has proven itself over the years of its use (since 1968). The crown winds very easy and softly and the watch immediately starts to run. The chronograph uses this shuttle cam system (as opposed to a column wheel construction) and starts, stops and resets by pressing the buttons gently.
After studying the watch for a couple of hours, I realized that I actually like the red printing, as well as the applied logo (old school style!). This watch could easily be mine, without a doubt. And its price? It lists for 6150 Euro here in The Netherlands (check your own local dealer for a price, although it probably does not differ much) which I think is quite steep for a Moonwatch with a meteorite dial. Does the 3000 Euro extra is justified for a special dial and engraving, limited to 1975 pieces?
If you are a collector of Speedmasters, it probably is. Watch-Site offers this BNIB model for 5250 Euro which is already making it a bit easier to decide. One could say the regular ‘Moonwatch’ is priced below its real value, which I tend to under write. The regular ref. 3570.50.00 retails for just over 2700 Euro, with a Hesalite crystal that is. The Speedmaster is one of the most (or is it just the) iconic chronograph watches there is. In my opinion, it is even a more ‘clean’ and interesting chronograph than the famous Rolex Daytona. The classic design of the Speedmaster is impeccable and has proven itself for over 50 years now.
As I am writing this, I realize that I am trying to find enough arguments to justify the approximately 5K for this superb Speedmaster Pro ‘Meteorite’, but you know what? I don’t have to. It simply rocks.
If you already have an Omega Speedmaster (pre-Professional) in your collection, make sure to wear it the next coming days.
I thought it might be a good plan to introduce one of the most famous cult watches to this group of car lovers over at MotoringExposure.com. Every week, I try to feed them with interesting horological facts and articles and it took actually quite long (to my taste) to talk about one of my favorites, the Omega Speedmaster Professional.
What the Speedmaster Automatic ref. ST376.0822 (also referred to as the Holy Grail Speedmaster) was for Chuck Maddox, is the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase (ref.3689.30.31) for me. This white gold Speedmaster Professional (yes, labelled ‘Professional’) was introduced during BaselWorld 1999 by Omega. In the same year I bought my first serious watch, which happened to be a Speedmaster Professional (caliber 321) as well.
Photo by FratelloWatches
The 18 carat white gold Speedmaster Professional Moonphase was only available for a limited time and commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Apollo XI landing in 1969. The caliber 1866 movement is based on Omega’s caliber 1861, which you probably recognize as being the handwound chronograph movement of the Speedmaster Professional. Caliber 1866 is based on Lemania caliber 1884, except that this one features a moonphase disc, a date and has a higher grade of finishing (as with Omega caliber 1863 used in the ‘Moonwatch’ models with display back).
Although this watch is in essence the same as the regular Moonwatch, the silvered dial and moondisc (silvered moon in relief on a metallic blue disc) makes this watch something special. The look of the 18 carat white gold case probably won’t be noticed by anyone as opposite to stainless steel, but the weight of this watch is significantly higher ofcourse. I love the feel of this white gold watch, but I would be hesitant to wear this time piece on a daily basis, since white gold is a bit more vulnerable for scratches (even though I am a desk-astronaut ).
Photo by FratelloWatches
The blued hands match nicely with the metallic blue moonphase disc. The date and moonphase can be corrected through the two pushers at approx. 10 o’clock, for which you will need a toothpick to set. The tachymeter bezel is like the regular Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (ref. 3750.50),?Ǭ made out of black aluminium ring.
Photo by FratelloWatches
This Speedy Moonphase in white gold was introduced (and delivered) with leather strap only. The single folding clasp is made out of 18 ct white gold ofcourse. As you can see above, the caseback has the same ‘The First Watch Worn On The Moon‘ inscription as the stainless steel Speedmaster Professional 3750.50. You can ask yourself if this makes any sense, since this watch is really different from the official NASA EVA watch. However, the original Moonwatch differs from the current steel version as well.
I could only find this watch in an Omega catalogue of 2000 which I had in my bookshelf. Later catalogues don’t include this watch anymore. The original list price for the ref.3689.30.31 moonphase Speedy was 9890,14 Euro. However, at the time of introduction, the Euro currency wasn’t ‘live’ yet, so the catalogue also prints the price tag of 21.795 Dutch Guilders. A normal stainless steel Speedmaster Pro was 3495 Dutch Guilders at that time.
So, having this watch here for a short period of time, only makes me want it more A quick scan on the internet learns me however, that this watch still doesn’t come cheap (if you can find one). I actually found a few of them for sale, and the one I noticed needs to fetch 8.450 Euro (or 11.914 USD). I think that you actually could get some discount back in 1999 when you bought this watch, so the price level didn’t change much. A solid (gold) investment so to speak.
8.450 isn’t exactly change for me, so I need to look at some alternatives. Ofcourse, I know about the current Speedmaster Professional Moonphase in stainless steel and the first one in 1985 (ref. 145.0809), but these models do have the same chique appearance that the white gold 3689.30.31 has. Luckily, Omega introduced another Speedmaster Professional Moonphase in 1999 called the ‘Speedmaster Replica Moonphase’, based on the Broad Arrow 1957 replica model. On a nice leather strap, it approaches the white gold version well enough. However, the only downside is that the blue hands are not as discreet as they are on the white gold Speedy Moonphase.
Press Photo of the ref. 3575.20 by Omega
As you can see, the bracelet needs to be replaced by a leather strap However, the hour markers and hands are harder to replace. When the hour markers would be made out of white gold, it would be a lot better already. The dial looks awfully white here, but in fact it is ‘cream’ in the flesh. Omega’s catalogue photos didn’t do the watch any justice in 1999. This watch can be found in superb condition, complete with box and papers for below 3000 euro. List price was 4100 euro.
In 2001, Omega introduced even a better version though. The Speedmaster Professional Moonphase (Broad Arrow, ref. 3575.30) of 2001 is a variation of the model above, but with silvered or white gold hands, hour markers and a stainless steel bezel inlay. List price and going prices are comparable of the 3575.20 above. Both models ofcourse have the Omega caliber 1866 movement inside, with the same grade of finish.
Below, you’ll see a picture I found on the internet (somewhere) of the version I would love to own some time. And the price makes that owning this watch is more realistic than the white gold Speedmaster Professional Moonphase would be.
Fact is that I really love the metallic blued hands, baton shaped, like the original Moonwatch has. The silvered hands are nicer than the blued hands on the Broad Arrow version imho, but I wonder how readable the dial is. The bracelet needs to go ofcourse. I never understood why Omega is using these bracelets for the Speedmaster series. The vintage bracelets tapered a bit towards the clasp, which gave it a more classic look. This bracelet belongs to the Seamaster line, or other diver’s watch.
Although the moon landing was years before I was even born, I always had an interest in the space race. The fact that the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the first watch worn on the moon, probably has a role as well in that interest. Last year, when we celebrated the 39th anniversary of the moon landing, I wrote an extensive blog post on the moon landing, NASA and the role Omega played in it with their Speedmaster Professional watches.
a Dutch (Rotterdam) newspaper from 21 july 2969 covering the moon landing
This year, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the moon landing, Omega introduced the 40th anniversary Speedmaster Professional watch during the BaselWorld 2009 expo. After seeing it in the flesh, I wasn’t very enthusiastic to be honest. The red tip at the chronograph second hand is too loud to my taste. The sterling silver Apollo 11 patch in the 9 o’clock subregister is very nicely done though.
However, this is ofcourse not the watch that is similar to the one that landed on the moon in 1969. As written before, the Speedmaster Professional watches with reference numbers st105.003 (Aldrin), st105.012 (Armstrong) with serial number 24002981 and st145.012 (Collins) with serial number 26552506 were the first watches worn on the moon, all with movement caliber 321. If you want something modern but yet similar, I suggest you get the regular Speedmaster Professional watch with hesalite crystal and stainless steel caseback (not the transparent one that is), ref 3570.50. Milking out the moon landing to market a new limited edition Speedmaster every 5 years (and other limiteds in between) has become a bit sad, and I think I am not alone on this one.
If you are going to spend 3850 euro on the Speedmaster Professional 40th Anniversary edition, you can actually better spend it on a REAL moon watch, like the aforementioned 145.012, 105.003 or 105.012. These vintage beauties with movement caliber 321 (column wheel chronograph manufactured by Lemania) can be had for 2500-3000 Euro in good condition. Some years ago, I wrote this article about the different Speedmasters through the years (1957 till modern models) and how to identify them correctly. It might be useful when looking for a vintage Speedy.
Although I am not wearing my vintage Speedmaster Professional 145.012 on a daily basis anymore, it does get wrist time at times like these, to commemorate the moon landing in 1969. I also think this watch is one of the nicest chronographs around, even nicer than, let’s say, a Rolex Daytona for example. However, for the Rolex fans there is the GMT-Master ref.1675 that is known to be the favorite of astronauts in their private/spare time. As the Speedmaster watches were official NASA equipment and had to be returned, the Rolex GMT 1675 was the way to go for most astronauts.
The Speedmaster is one of the purest chronographs around in my opinion, an incredible readible dial, bulletproof handwound movement, a plastic crystal that magnifies the superb dial and – ofcourse – an incredible history. NASA did only choose official for the Omega Speedmaster Professional after running several exhaustive tests.
Oh yeah, if you want to take a peek at one of the most special Speedmasters around, make sure to check out the gold Speedmaster Professional that was produced between 1969 and 1972. Only 1014 pieces were ever made, with a box in the shape of a moon rock. The one below is owned by a friend of mine, who proudly wears it! I covered this rare Speedmaster in this article last year. The first 28 pieces were given to the president of the United States (Richard M. Nixon at the time, who received number 1), the vice-president and the active NASA astronauts.
Some pre-Basel 2009 news from our friends in Bienne, Switzerland. Every 5 years, Omega introduces a tribute Limited Edition Speedmaster Professional for the original ‘Moonwatch’ that landed on the Moon 21 July 1969, on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin.
This coming July 21st, it will be 40 years ago that Aldrin had his caliber 321 Speedmaster Professional strapped on his space suit and Armstrong left his watch in the Lunar Module because of a defect electronic timing system. Check my earlier post on the exact Speedmaster models used during this mission. You can find it here: http://www.fratellowatches.com/archives/2008/07/21/omega-speedmaster-it-is-39-years-ago/.
As you might know, I am a big fan of these Speedmaster Professional watches. They embody everything a perfect chronograph should be. Timeless casing, excellent readability, easy to operate chronograph buttons (no screw-down pushers), fit for stainless steel bracelets and leather straps, proven hand wound chronograph movement by Lemania (Omega caliber 1861) and a great history!
Enough ranting about my favorite chronograph, let’s see what this new 40th Anniversary Model is about.
The original Apollo 11 patch has been placed on the subdial of 9 o’clock. This patch was designed by astronaut Michael Collins. He was the third Apollo 11 astronaut, and remained aboard the Apollo 11 capsule as Command Module Pilot while his colleagues Armstrong and Aldrin were jumping around on the surface of the moon.
This Omega Speedmaster Pro 40th Anniversary Model will be presented in a black watch box and includes a 42mm (same size as the watch) silver medal featuring an engraving of the Apollo 11 mission patch on one side with the words ?Ǩ?APOLLO 11, 40th ANNIVERARY?Ǩ. On the reverse side, the medal is engraved, ?Ǩ?THE EAGLE HAS LANDED?Ǩ; ?Ǩ?LAUNCHED JULY 16 1969?Ǩ; ?Ǩ?LANDED JULY 20, 1969?Ǩ; and ?Ǩ?RETURNED, JULY 24, 1969?Ǩ. Also in the black presentation box is an envelope containing a black polishing cloth with information commemorating the historic space flight.
This watch could cause another watch to leave from my preciously built collection of watches I am afraid. Currently, I am wearing my 1969 Speedmaster Professional a lot, also to keep my 1967 Speedmaster Professional with caliber 321 movement ‘fresh’ and in prestine condition. This all-new 40 year younger watch will be a great addition to these two vintage beauties.
I am very excited about this watch, so excited even, that the red chronograph hand tip and red printing on the dial does not bother me at all. There will be 7969 pieces made of this 40th Anniversary Model, which although is not THAT limited, they might get sold out relatively quickly because the Speedmaster community is still growing every day. Try to get a hold of the older anniversary models..!
Some other blog posts you might find interesting are:
Photo by FratelloWatches
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Photo by FratelloWatches
Photo by FratelloWatches
Press Photo of the ref. 3575.20 by Omega
a Dutch (Rotterdam) newspaper from 21 july 2969 covering the moon landing
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