The Speedmaster is one of Omega's most beloved line of chronograph watches. First launched in 1957, it's spent decades in the limelight and continues to be a sought-after timepiece for collectors and investors alike.

But did you know that this watch was also the first one to reach the lunar surface?

One Small Step

In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made a historic mission to the Moon. Before launch, NASA issued an Omega Speedmaster watch to Armstrong. The decision to use this watch wasn't a coincidence.

NASA performed rigorous testing on numerous brands and models. They ultimately chose the Speedmaster because of its precision and reliability. It became the official watch for NASA's U.S. space program in 1964.

Which model did Armstrong wear? It was a 42mm Speedmaster produced in 1965. It had a stainless steel case and bracelet, Hesalite glass, and a black dial with luminous tritium.

This model used a caliber 321 movement. The calibre 321 was the first movement utilized in the Speedmaster, but it also appeared in other Omega chronographs before. Most notably, it was the movement for the iconic Omega Seamaster collection.

This movement had a column wheel machined out of a single piece, which provided impressive precision.

The Birth of the Omega Moonwatch

After the historic moon landing, the Omega Speedmaster became an instant icon. It already garnered tons of attention from collectors. However, Neil Armstrong's use of the Speedmaster catapulted it into the stratosphere! Not only did it take part in history, but it did so in front of a global audience.

Moving forward, the model Armstrong earned a new moniker: The Omega Moonwatch.

The moon landing of 1969 was not the last time the Speedmaster reached space. NASA continued to use it for future missions, making it the watch that's served the most lunar missions in history! If you want to buy an Omega Moonwatch, visit this website.

A Piece of American History

While Omega has a slew of beautiful watches, the Moonwatch continues to be a favorite among collectors. The 1965 model fetches a pretty penny, making it a sought-after investment and a timepiece worth showing off.

Read a similar article about Bvlgari wristwatches here at this page.