How many watch brands can boast of having their watches brought to space? Not many. Omega is one of the few that can brag about it and that theirs was the first watch to reach the moon. Their Moonwatch collection is called as such because they’re the ones that passed through NASA’s thorough tests and were actually used by astronauts on missions to the moon. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph collection, only one of the few iterations, is a more recent release that updated the dial and offered new desirable watch designs through color and material.
Compare Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Prices Online
Release Date: January 2018
Price when reviewed: US$8,600.00 – US$26,500.00
Since the launch of the Speedmaster Chronograph in 1969, the watches from the collection have been used by astronauts for all the missions to the moon, therefore making it a classic for the brand. From three sub-dials, the new chronograph watches puts only two as the minute and hour counters were merged in the same sub-dial at the three o’clock mark and across from it is the small seconds sub-dial.
Three dominant materials are used for the collection of five timepieces: 18k gold, titanium, and stainless steel. Each model is presented with its own quirks like the blue dial and accents on two of them or the unconventional orange gold case on one. However, each piece is made with a transparent case back that shows the complicated movement powering the mechanical watch.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44.25mm
- Movement: OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 9300/9301
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Materials: Orange gold, titanium, stainless steel
Pros
With a diameter of 44.25mm, the watch is considered large according to standard sizes but when it’s made to be read by an astronaut in outer space, it offers a huge window for visibility. The indices and hands for the main and sub-dials and the discreet date window are clear enough to be seen even from a bit of distance.
While ease of use is prioritized with the construction and design, accuracy is also upheld with the improvement made on the pushers that enable the chronograph functions. Unlike the earlier Speedmasters, the Moonwatch Chronograph is notably leveled up on the mechanical functions front.
Cons
Though pleasing for the eyes, the merged hours and minutes counter may be problematic for some astronauts who’ve gotten used to the ones with three sub-dials instead of two. The two hands run like the ones on the main dial but it’s significantly smaller to be discernable at one glance.
More so, Omega watches in general tend to be more needy of repairs and maintenance to stay as accurate as they are supposed to be. Owning one entails commitment and actual effort to let it remain functional to a T.
Image credits: outsidecontext
