From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: The Omega Speedmaster Models
that made it on the Moon.
Fifty-one years ago, NASA Astronaut Buzz Aldrin stepped on the Moon with his Omega Speedmaster.
While the Speedy has been a notable and reliable chronograph even before then, it became an
icon, a bestseller, and the MoonWatch.
When NASA began their search for a reliable timepiece that astronauts can use in space,
a number of watch companies heeded the call – but only the mighty Speedmaster passed.
After a series of torturous tests done on the watches, the Omega Speedmaster became
the official watch of NASA astronauts, and remains so until today.
Today, one will find a wide selection of watches under Omega’s Moonwatch family. For Omega
purists and history buffs however, the only real Moonwatches are those that actually went
to the Moon.
Which models are those and which modern Moonwatches represent them best? Check out our quick guide
to the original Moonwatches:
The Omega Speedmaster reference 105.003 was the very reference that was qualified by NASA
in 1964 -- and eventually approved on March 1, 1965.
It’s noted for being the last of the “Pre-Moonwatch” models, with a slim profile, straight lugs,
dot over 90 bezel, a step dial, as well as the absence of guards for the crown and chronograph
pushers.
This model is also named after astronaut “Ed White”. He was wearing it when he became
the first American to conduct a spacewalk, in 1965.
It eventually made its way on the Moon when astronaut Eugene Cernan wore it, during the
Apollo 17 mission of 1972. Enjoying this video so far? Subscribe to our
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Now we get to the reference that turned the Speedmaster into the Moonwatch – the reference
105.012 worn by the Apollo 11 astronauts.
Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the Moon, was also provided with this timepiece, but
legend has it that it stayed on board of the Lunar Module.
It was Buzz Aldrin, who followed Armstrong on the Moon’s surface, who was wearing the
105.012. In that moment, he made this reference the first watch on the Moon.
The 105.012 was updated to a 42 millimeter case (versus its predecessor’s 39.7 millimeters),
with an asymmetrical shape, and crown and pusher guards that flow seamlessly into the
lugs.
The 105.012 was also powered by Omega’s famous Calibre 321 – just like all the other
Pre Moon watches.
The reference 145.012 was produced in 1967 and 1968, making it a Pre-Moonwatch.
It was worn by astronauts more than any other Speedmaster, but it wasn’t until the Apollo
14 mission that it made its way on the moon’s surface, on astronaut Alan Shepard’s wrist.
The 145.012 is a slight upgrade to the 105.012, with its taller caps and screwed in pushers.
It was also the last to use the renowned second generation calibre 321, before it was
revived by Omega in 2019.
One of the questions we often get asked is, “Which of the modern Omega Speedmasters
is closest to the original Moonwatch?”
Understandably, some clients prefer to wear a newer Moonwatch but with the features of
the original Moonwatches that we just featured.
Simply put, here’s what to look for: The Moonwatch per definition is a hand-wound watch
with a Hesalite or plexiglas crystal, and a stainless steel case back.
Or, one can also follow the succession of models in the Moonwatch line, to get a direct
descendant of the original Moonwatch. The current 311 model released in 2014 can be
considered today’s modern Moonwatch.
Of course, if heritage is of utmost important to you, nothing will beat the original 105.012
model. Rest assured, however, that its descendants are considered Moonwatches as well.
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