The Omega Speedmaster ’57, released in 2013 and inspired by the first watch on the moon, is returning with eight brand new editions
All feature a master chronometer upgrade and offer a manual-winding movement that allows for a slimmer profile with its thinner case and finer bezel
A watch from Omega’s new Speedmaster ‘57 collection, inspired by the original Speedmaster that was the first watch on the moon. Photo: Omega
Since its debut in 1957, Omega’s Speedmaster has had an indisputable history-making trajectory.
Though the famous watch was originally designed for motor racing by the Swiss designer Claude Baillod, it has since gone on to become much better known for its role in outer space – most notably, as the first watch on the moon.
Back in the 1960s, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) invited different watch manufacturers around the world to submit chronograph models for its manned missions into space.
Omega offered up the Speedmaster. It was the only watch to pass Nasa’s extensive thermal, shock, vibration and vacuum tests, and thus became the first watch to be declared as “flight qualified for all manned space missions”, in 1965.
A watch from Omega’s new Speedmaster ’57 collection. Photo: Omega
The watch went on to be worn by astronauts in all six lunar missions, including when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Over the years, the Speedmaster has shown that it was always destined for the skies, and the line of chronographs has only grown in popularity over the past 65 years.
Now, the first watch on the moon is back with a brand new collection.
The Speedmaster ’57, which was first released in 2013 and inspired by the original from 1957, is returning with eight new editions, all featuring a master chronometer upgrade.
Powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9906, which is certified by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), the 40.5mm watches offer a manual-winding movement that allows for a slimmer profile with its thinner case and finer bezel.
Measuring 12.99mm, the new Omega Speedmaster ’57 is noticeably thinner than its cousin, the Moonwatch 3681, which comes in at 13.58mm. Photo: Omega
Watches from Omega’s new Speedmaster ’57 collection. Photo: Omega
Compared with the Speedmaster Moonwatch 3681, which measures 13.58mm from its side, the updated Speedmaster ’57 is noticeably thinner at 12.99mm.
The eight new watches all come with a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective flat sapphire crystal, and feature stainless steel cases made of 316L stainless steel – an ideal material for both everyday and adventurous activities due to its corrosion-resistant nature and high lustre after polishing.
The latest collection of chronographs also each come with a date window, a seconds sub-dial at nine o’clock, and a 12-hour and 60-minute chronograph recorder on the sub-dial at three o’clock.
A watch from Omega’s new Speedmaster ’57 collection. Photo: Omega
A watch from Omega’s new Speedmaster ’57 collection. Photo: Omega
A blackened tachymeter scale appears on the brushed bezel – the product of both laser engraving and laser colouring – while the back is aptly engraved with “Speedmaster ’57”.
Among the eight editions, there are four dials to choose from, including a “sandwich” black dial watch with rhodium-plated “Broad Arrow” hands and recessed hour markers filled with vintage Super-LumiNova.
The other three come in blue, green and varnished burgundy, respectively, all with rhodium-plated “Broad Arrow” hands and hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova.
Among the eight new watches in Omega’s new Speedmaster ’57 collection is a “sandwich” black dial edition with Super-LumiNova hour markers. Photo: Omega
Each dial comes with a leather strap option – there’s a brown strap for the black dial, and matching blue, green and burgundy for the others – and a stainless steel bracelet option, which offers Omega’s patented comfort release adjustment system and was inspired by the Apollo 11 tribute launched in 2019.
With an Omega Speedmaster on your wrist, you’ll not only have access to its impeccable, well-rounded features, but also an intimate connection to its history-making backstory.
This article is presented in collaboration with Omega.