16 December 2015 / Omega
The iconic OMEGA Speedmaster is celebrated at Christies
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER 50, a thematic auction dedicated to the iconic OMEGA Speedmaster, was held on December 15th at Christies of New York.
Speedmaster Professional on Leather NATO
Omega Speedmaster Professional on Leather NATO
The Speedmaster is one of the most versatile watches when it comes to straps – this thing looks good on just about anything. So how about a Speedmaster Professional on leather NATO? Pretty sweet right?
Omega’s NATO straps are available through our friends over at Ace Jewelers.
Hands-On: the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon: Black Black & Sedna Black
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001
At BaselWorld 2015 Omega introduced a set of four new versions of the popular Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon (five including the diamond-set variation) and last week I had the opportunity to spend some time with two of them: the Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black and the Dark Side of the Moon Black Black. The pictures in these post are the result. As I’m sure that you’re well aware of all the technical aspects, I will try and keep the word count low – save for a short (re-)introduction.
Contrary to some, I was rather enthusiastic about Omega releasing these four variations at once. To me, it showed how much the look of a watch can change when altering only a couple of details. The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon represented a great canvas for this exercise. Each of the four watches presented has its own distinct character; sure, they’re part of one big family of ceramic Speedmasters, but they’re different enough.
With its Sedna gold bezel, hour markers and hands, the Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black is obviously inspired by the Speedmaster Professional 45th Anniversary. The matte grey dial is cut-out by laser revealing the rest of the indexes, logo and wording. There are a few more pics below that show how much the look changes with the light, from almost black to a light and vivid grey. Whereas the DSotM Black Black features a number of polished bits, the Sedna Black has a fully brushed case. Its probably this detail that has this watch retain its tool watch character, instead of it becoming the odd -flashy- one out..
Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005
The DSotM Black Black is, in short, black. The dial is black. The hands and markers are black. The prints are black. The date wheel is black. Even the SuperLuminova and the lacquer on the ceramic tachymeter bezel are black. The result? The Speedmaster Darth Vader would choose for active duty.
More pics below.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001
Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001
Watches provided by Authorized Omega Dealer Ace Jewelers, who offer them for sale online at the following links: DSotM Sedna Black & DSotM Black Black.
More into the classic Speedmaster Professional? Check out the overview WatchBase put together!
Press Release: Omega Speedmasters 50: From a Spacewalk to Today
30 September 2015 / Christie’s
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER 50: From A Spacewalk To Today, a thematic auction comprising 50 lots in honor of the anniversary of the Gemini IV spacewalk by astronaut Edward White in 1965 when he famously wore an OMEGA Speedmaster.
Upon its introduction in 1957, the Speedmaster defined a new watch category: the sports chronograph. After rigorous testing, NASA designated the Speedmaster as flight-qualified for use by astronauts and thanks to its important role in space missions the Speedmaster became one of the most recognizable and desirable watches in the world.
Omega Speedmaster Professional: four aficionado’s talk
Omega Speedmaster Professional 3650.50.00 Apollo XI 30th Anniversary
This was written for the The Ace List by Ace Jewelers, in which it first appeared
The Omega Speedmaster Professional is a watch we just love to talk about, due to its interesting background. In 1957 Omega introduced this line of chronographs and since then, many different Speedmaster Chronographs have been produced. Rightly so the ‘Moonwatch’ was the first watch worn by an astronaut walking on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. We have asked four of our dear friends to tell something personal about their own Omega Speedmasters.
Tim Koppelman: Ref. 3560.50.00 ‘Apollo XI 30th Anniversary’, limited edition of 9999, 1999 [pictured above]
“When you grow up you notice that fictional heroes are great but actual heroes like the astronauts on the Apollo 11 moon mission in 1969, are even greater. Knowing that the Moonwatch was actually worn in space by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin was what made me want a Speedmaster Professional. When I found this special, not so limited (9999 were made), edition I just had to buy it. The inscription on the case back says: “Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed.” The exact words Armstrong used to announce the 1969 moon landing. The date and exact time of the moon landing are also engraved on the case-back. How cool is that?!”
Omega Speedmaster Professional 3595.52.00 Apollo XIII 25th Anniversaryv
Robert-Jan Broer: Ref. 3595.52.00 ‘Apollo XIII 25th Anniversary’, limited edition of 999, 1995
“The Speedmaster (Professional) has a magical appeal; not just because of its real history with links to the NASA Apollo program, but also because it is a timeless design with a perfectly readable dial. Whether you opt for a brand-new Moonwatch or one that is 50 years old, they are all interesting models and often there is a fascinating story behind the watch, explaining what made the owner choose the Speedmaster.”
Fun fact: Robert-Jan is the founder of leading watch blog FratelloWatches.com and every Tuesday they write about Speedmasters. They even named it #SpeedyTuesday.
Omega Speedmaster Professional 3578.51.00 Snoopy Award
Systke Hermans: Ref. 3578.51.00 ‘Snoopy Award’, limited edition of 5441, 2003
“Watches have only been a serious obsession with me for the past two years or so. When my husband bought his first Omega Speedmaster I was sold as well! My first ‘Speedy’ was the 57 Co-Axial with blue dial and red hands. But I already had my eye on the Moonwatch Snoopy Award, too. As a girl I was a fan of Snoopy, so I just had to have it. After a long search I found one, number 2125/5441. In all honesty, I think the case-back on this watch is even more beautiful than the front and I would prefer to wear the ‘Snoopy’ the wrong way round. I was ‘over the moon’ when Omega announced the Silver Snoopy Award at BaselWorld. Of course I ordered it right away, because you can never have enough ‘Snoopys’.”
Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004 Racing / TinTin
Gerard Nijenbrinks: Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.004 ‘Racing / Tintin’, regular production, 2013-2015
“The design of a watch dial is very important for its attraction to me. It’s the interface with the human wearing and using it. For me the dial of the Omega Speedmaster Professional is simply perfect. There’s a lot of information available, however there’s nothing excessive (luckily not even a date) and the most important function, telling the time, is extremely easy to read in all light conditions. Almost equally important is the presence of the handwound Lemania-based chronograph movement. It’s right up there with the greatest chronograph movements in the world.”