moonwatch

Moonwatch is a term most often used to refer to the Omega Speedmaster Professional, a wristwatch notable for its association with NASA's human spaceflight program and lunar exploration. The nickname reflects its prominence in the Apollo era, when the Speedmaster became the standard-issue chronograph for astronauts and earned a lasting place in space history.

Origins and NASA selection: Omega introduced the Speedmaster line in 1957 as a sport chronograph. In 1965, after a series of rigorous tests designed to evaluate performance in extreme conditions, NASA certified the Speedmaster for all manned space missions. The designation solidified its Moonwatch nickname, reflecting its role in lunar missions.

Moon landing and use: The watch was worn on the lunar surface during the Apollo program, beginning with Apollo 11 in 1969, and continued to be associated with later missions as the standard spacefaring chronograph.

Design and movement: Moonwatch models typically feature a manual-winding chronograph movement, a black dial with three subdials, and a tachymeter bezel. Case materials are usually stainless steel, with cases around 42 mm in diameter. Crystals have varied between hesalite and sapphire across generations. The movement lineage includes early Lemania-based calibres (321, later 861/1861); in 2019 Omega introduced the Calibre 3861, a manual-winding Master Chronometer movement certified by METAS, offering about 50 hours of power reserve.

Modern updates and status: The Moonwatch lineage remains in continuous production, with numerous limited editions and tributes that celebrate space exploration. It is widely regarded as a design icon and a staple in horology collecting.