Omega Speedmaster Watches

The Watch That Went to the Moon — and Came Back

On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface wearing an Omega Speedmaster (ref. 105.012) on the outside of his spacesuit. Neil Armstrong had left his Speedmaster in the Lunar Module as a backup timer after the module's clock malfunctioned. The Speedmaster was not chosen for the Apollo program by marketing decree — it won a series of NASA qualification tests in 1964–65 that subjected it to temperatures from -18°C to +93°C, accelerations of 40G, humidity of 95%, and vacuum conditions. Every competing chronograph failed at least one test. The Speedmaster passed all of them. It was the only watch qualified by NASA for extravehicular activity, and it remains the only watch ever worn on the Moon. That qualification is the foundation of the Speedmaster's identity — not a marketing story, but a documented fact.

Moonwatch vs. Automatic: The Movement Split

The Speedmaster lineup divides into two fundamentally different watches that share a case and a name.

The Moonwatch (ref. 310.30.42.501.001, current production) uses caliber 3861 — a hand-wound movement descended directly from the caliber 321 that flew on Apollo 11. It has no date, no automatic winding, and a 50-hour power reserve. It is the historically authentic Speedmaster — the one that qualifies as a Moonwatch under Omega's own definition. If you want the watch that went to the Moon, this is it.

The Speedmaster Automatic (various references) uses caliber 9900/9906 — a co-axial automatic movement with a date, a silicon hairspring, and a 60-hour power reserve. It is the modern Speedmaster — more convenient, more accurate, and more functional than the Moonwatch. But it is not the Moonwatch. The movement is different, the dial layout is different (date window at 6), and the case is slightly thicker. For daily wear, the Automatic is the better watch. For historical authenticity, the Moonwatch is the only choice.

The Speedmaster Lineup

Moonwatch Hesalite (Ref. 310.30.42.501.001) The purist's Moonwatch. 42mm steel case with Hesalite crystal (acrylic, identical to the 1969 original), caliber 3861 (hand-wound), and a nylon strap or steel bracelet. The Hesalite crystal is the historically correct material — it will scratch easily but can be polished out with Polywatch in two minutes. This is the Moonwatch as it was worn on the Moon.

Moonwatch Sapphire (Ref. 310.30.42.501.002) The practical Moonwatch. 42mm steel case with sapphire crystal on both sides (caseback is transparent, showing caliber 3861), steel bracelet. The sapphire crystal eliminates the scratching issue but adds 0.5mm to the case height. For collectors who want the Moonwatch movement with modern crystal durability.

Speedmaster '57 (Ref. 332.10.42.30.01.001) The vintage-inspired automatic. 40.5mm steel case with caliber 9906 (co-axial automatic, 60-hour power reserve), no date, and a sandwich dial with vintage-colored Super-LumiNova. The '57 is the most refined Speedmaster — smaller, thinner, and more elegant than the Moonwatch, with a modern movement that requires no hand-winding.

Pre-Owned Pricing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Moonwatch or Speedmaster Automatic?
A: The Moonwatch is the historically authentic choice — hand-wound, no date, Hesalite crystal, caliber descended from the Apollo movement. The Automatic is the daily-wear choice — self-winding, date complication, sapphire crystal, co-axial escapement. If you are buying for the Moon connection, Moonwatch. If you are buying for daily convenience, Automatic.

Q: Hesalite or sapphire crystal?
A: Hesalite is the authentic material — it scratches but polishes out in minutes, and it gives the dial a warm, slightly domed appearance that sapphire cannot replicate. Sapphire is the practical material — virtually scratch-proof but adds case height and gives the dial a cooler, flatter look. Most collectors own both at some point.

Q: Speedmaster or Daytona?
A: The Daytona is the most desired chronograph in the world and trades at a massive premium above retail. The Speedmaster is the most historically significant chronograph in the world and trades below retail. The Daytona has a better movement (column-wheel 4131 with 72-hour power reserve); the Speedmaster has a better story (the Moon). If you want prestige and value retention, Daytona. If you want history and value for money, Speedmaster.

Sell or Trade Your Speedmaster

Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every Speedmaster reference. We understand the nuances: movement type (hand-wound Moonwatch vs. co-axial Automatic), crystal material (Hesalite vs. sapphire), and the presence of the original box, warranty card, and Omega documentation. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.

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