The Omega Speedmaster, introduced in 1957, is one of the most iconic and historically significant watches ever made.
Originally designed as a racing chronograph, the Speedmaster gained legendary status through its association with NASA and space exploration. In 1965, it became the first watch flight-qualified for all manned space missions, and in 1969, it earned its nickname “Moonwatch” as the first watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 11.
The Speedmaster also famously played a critical role in missions like Apollo 13, where it helped astronauts time crucial maneuvers. Over the decades, Omega has refined the Speedmaster and released countless iterations ranging in size from 38mm-44.25mm.
Omega Speedmaster Professional models are manual-wind, but Speedmaster Racing models and many other variants are automatic, including all two-register Speedmasters.
Stainless steel Speedmasters usually get the most attention from collectors, but Omega has made versions encased in every hue of gold, as well as platinum and several colors of ceramic. We’ll take you through the highlights of the Speedmaster’s evolution.
Omega Speedmaster Timeline
- 1957: CK2915 “Broad Arrow” The first Speedmaster, featuring the Caliber 321 movement, tachymeter bezel, and broad arrow hands. Designed as a racing chronograph, it set the foundation for the series.
- 1962: Astronaut Wally Schirra wears his CK2998 in orbit, making it the first Omega in space.
- 1964: ST105.012 Introduced the “Professional” designation and asymmetrical case with crown guards, worn by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission (although probably not during the actual moonwalk).
- 1967: ST145.012 The final model to feature the Caliber 321 movement. Worn by Buzz Aldrin during Apollo 11, and believed to be the first watch worn on the moon.
- 1969: Mark II (Ref. 145.014) The first major redesign with a tonneau-shaped case and integrated tachymeter scale under the crystal. Powered by the Caliber 861, it marked a departure from traditional Speedmaster aesthetics.
- 1969: ST145.022 Introduced the Caliber 861, replacing the column-wheel Caliber 321 with a cam-controlled mechanism for improved production efficiency.
- 1988: Speedmaster Reduced (Ref. 3510.50) A smaller, automatic version of the Speedmaster at 39mm, aimed at those preferring a more compact design.
- 1996: Caliber 1861 Debut An updated version of the Caliber 861 with rhodium plating, ensuring greater durability and precision while maintaining manual winding.
- 2012: First Omega in Space (FOIS) A tribute to astronaut Wally Schirra’s CK2998, featuring straight lugs and alpha hands in a modern reissue.
- 2013: Dark Side of the Moon (DSOTM) The first ceramic-cased Speedmaster, featuring an all-black design inspired by Apollo 8’s journey around the Moon and powered by the Co-Axial Caliber 9300 movement.
- 2017: Speedmaster 38 Introduced as a contemporary, smaller-sized option at 38mm with modern styling while retaining a few classic Speedmaster elements.
- 2019: Caliber 321 Reissue Omega revived the legendary Caliber 321, first appearing in a platinum-cased model and later in steel as part of the Ed White reissue.
- 2021: Master Chronometer Certification The Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001) was updated with the Co-Axial Caliber 3861, achieving Master Chronometer certification for enhanced accuracy and anti-magnetic properties.
Read More on the Omega Speedmaster: