Press Release: OMEGA launches the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary

In 1970, OMEGA received the coveted “Silver Snoopy Award” from the astronauts at NASA, recognising the brand’s unique contributions to space exploration, as well as the Speedmaster’s vital support during the rescue of Apollo 13.   

Exactly 50 years later, a special timepiece has been created in the occasion’s honour. Combining animation with watchmaking art, this incredible Snoopy tribute has taken the OMEGA Speedmaster to new realms of design.

Our favourite beagle plays a prominent role within the timepiece, first appearing as an embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock. Here, he is shown wearing his famous spacesuit, in the exact style of the silver pin that NASA astronauts give to award recipients.

The dial itself is also silver and laser-engraved with Ag925. It includes two more blue subdials, as well as blue PVD angle-shaped hour markers and hands.

On the caseback, the fun really begins! This time, Snoopy has gone into orbit, thanks to his animated black and white Command and Service Module (CSM) on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is in use, Snoopy takes a trip around the mysterious far side of the moon – just like the Apollo 13 crew – with the lunar surface being decorated on the sapphire crystal using a unique micro-structured metallisation.

In the distance, a vision of our home is included. This Earth disc rotates once per minute, in sync with the watch’s small seconds hand, and symbolises the precise rotation of the Earth. The iconic quote, “Eyes on the Stars”, is included within the black universe.

The NAIAD LOCK keeps all caseback engravings in the correct, upright position, including the date in 1970 that OMEGA received the Silver Snoopy Award, as well as a tribute to the imperilled Apollo 13 mission that same year.

Showing OMEGA’s superb attention to detail, the watch’s blue nylon fabric strap matches the other blue elements of the watch, and even features the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission, embossed on the lining. This strap is attached to a 42 mm case in stainless steel, which is inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style (the first watch worn on the moon in 1969). The tachymeter scale, with the iconic “Dot over Ninety”, is shown in white enamel on a blue ceramic [ZrO2] bezel ring.

In a superb display of watchmaking skill, the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary watch is driven by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. This ground-breaking movement has taken the legendary Moonwatch calibre to new standards of excellence, with anti-magnetic innovation, as well as Master Chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

The timepiece comes with OMEGA’s full 5-year warranty, and will not be a limited production. Eager fans will receive the watch in its own Apollo 13 presentation box, with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a brochure, and a magnifying glass to help you get up close to the details.

Press Release: Introducing the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel 311.30.40.30.01.001

THE 321 POWERS ON! LEGENDARY CALIBRE IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND ANOTHER MOONWATCH – THIS TIME IN STEEL.

Introducing the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel (311.30.40.30.01.001)

In early 2019, OMEGA announced the long-awaited return of its iconic Calibre 321. Soon after, in July of the same year, the Swiss watchmaker unveiled the first new timepiece to house the movement – a Moonwatch in platinum.

Next in line for legendary status is OMEGA’s 321-powered Speedmaster in steel.

In 1965, when astronaut Edward White became the first American to walk in space he was wearing the Speedmaster ST 105.003. OMEGA’s latest offering takes inspiration from that famous model.

The 39.70 mm case in stainless steel, influenced by the same 3rd generation style that Ed White wore, features a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a tachymeter scale in white enamel. Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, and central chronograph hand.he 39.70 mm case in stainless steel, influenced by the same 3rd generation style that Ed White wore, features a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a tachymeter scale in white enamel. Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, and central chronograph hand.

Collectors will be thrilled to see the addition of the iconic “Dot over Ninety” and other respectful nods to the past, including vintage OMEGA logos throughout the design. Of course, a movement as beautiful as the 321 should be visible at all times, so owners can admire the iconic Calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback.

Known for its beautifully intricate design, the original Calibre 321 was the first movement ever used in the OMEGA Speedmaster in 1957. As well as powering Ed White’s spacewalk Speedmaster referenced above, the famous movement drove the Speedmaster ST 105.012, better known as the first watch worn on the Moon.

After extensive research and reconstruction in a dedicated workshop, the Calibre 321 was recreated in-line with its original specifications, and released in time for the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing.

It is now the driving force behind not one, but two Moonwatch models, including this spectacular new OMEGA Speedmaster in steel.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 reference 311.30.40.30.01.001 is available for pre-order at Ace Jewelers – the premier Authorized Dealer when it comes to new Moonwatches. The price in EURO is EUR 13.300 (incl. VAT).

New: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel 311.30.40.30.01.001

Omega kicks off 2020 with the introduction of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel 311.30.40.30.01.001.

When the caliber 321 made its re-introduction back in January of 2019, the first package it was delivered in left some to be desired by purists and collectors. Rather than the historical remake many were hoping for, Omega envisioned this 321 as an ultra-luxurious take on the classic Moonwatch, dressed up in platinum, onyx, meteorite and alligator. With a price as stunning as its looks.

Now, with 2020 barely a week old, Omega is showing us a rather different personality. The new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 reference 311.30.40.30.01.001 is a stunning remake of the watch worn by Ed White during the first American spacewalk, which took place in 1965 on the Gemini 4 Mission.

It would be easy to be deceived by its looks. To the untrained eye, the 39.7mm stainless steel case, the matte, stepped dial with applied logo, the flat link bracelet all look near identical to its vintage predecessors. But of course, the new 311.30.40.30.01.001 is thoughtfully updated with modern materials where possible. As such, the reborn Calibre 321 (clad in Sedna-gold) can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. Sapphire is found on the front as well. The tachymeter insert (DON!) is now made of ceramics. And the bracelet is a thoroughly modern affair with solid links and a push button folding clasp.

It is said Omega will only produce a limited number of these per annum. The release is still very fresh at this point; I will check back in as soon as more information presents itself.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 reference 311.30.40.30.01.001 is available for pre-order at Ace Jewelers – the premier Authorized Dealer when it comes to new Moonwatches. The price in EURO is EUR 13.300 (incl. VAT).

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 50th Anniversary 310.20.42.50.01.001: What’s in the Box?

It’s in! One of the most hotly anticipated watches of 2019 was for sure the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 50th Anniversary. A gold model was introduced back in March, but we had to wait until May before the stainless steel version (ref. 310.20.42.50.01.001) made its debut. Earlier today we had the chance to go hands-on with one for our signature What’s in the Box series.

Our Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001: What’s in the Box? was a fairly dull affair – but today we’re in for a treat as Omega went all-in to create something special for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Let’s dive in:

Shipping Container

As always the watch is delivered to us in the shipping container. This holds the watch but also the hang tag and the red cards. Caliber 3861 is a Master Chronometer movement, and as such we have the International Warranty, the Pictograms, and the Master Chronometer cards. All of these feature both the reference number as well as the unique serial number. The Pictograms card also has the limited edition number on it.

Box

WOW – this a huge box! The outer cardboard box lists it as being 4.8kg. That’s enormous. This cardboard box is usually thrown out and as far as I am concerned it is not part of the deal – it’s just for shipping.

Next up is a white protective box. This is where the party starts.

Inside we find a box not unlike that of the regular Speedy Pro – but obviously improved upon in order to make it even cooler. It’s done in a combo of white and brown, with brass hardware. A compartment on the side offers an additional storage space for the instruction manual, card sleeve et cetera. It is now filled up with a bit of foam, the card sleeve, a white cleaning cloth and a small booklet on how to change the strap.

In the Box

In the box we find a print of the surface of the moon, an anti-moisture sachet, and a piece of foam for protection. There are two plaques that serve as a reminder of why this watch was created. We get our first glimpse of the rather unusual cushion that’s supposed to hold the watch.

The lunar surface bit folds open tot he inside to reveal more goodies:

Alright, so the cushion for the watch is actually a little Lunar Module. That’s cute. Furthermore we find two patches velcro’d to the box, an additional strap, a strap changing tool, and a loupe.

The loupe has what I suppose is a Moonshine Gold finish to match the bezel of the watch, which is a nice touch.

Booklets

Last but not least there’s two booklets – the standard-issue Operating Instructions plus a special Moonwatch 50th Anniversary booklet. The latter has the limited edition number printed on the back.

That concludes this episode of What’s in the Box. What are your thoughts on this LE, the packaging and the goodies?

This Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001 was supplied by Ace Jewelers.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001: What’s in the Box?

It’s been a while! We first got the chance to handle the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001 during our meeting with Omega at BaselWorld 2018, yet it wouldn’t be until earlier this week that a production piece -including all the goodies- would reach our offices, allowing us to shoot a few pics and do our What’s in the Box post.

In a world dominated by vintage-inspired watches, I find the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001 to be an interesting specimen. Here we see an adaptation of the 44.25mm Dark Side of the Moon case with paired with a hand-wound, Lemania 1873-derived movement with bridges blackened and lasered to mimic the moon’s surface, all of which is visible both through the open-worked dial as well as the see-through case back – all of which is topped off by bold yellow accents on the bezel, dial, hands and strap. It looks strikingly modern and unapologetically so.

But anyway – What’s in the Box?

Shipping Container

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.001 itself is delivered to us in a clear plastic shipping container.

Aside from the watch this also holds the two cards: International Warranty and Pictograms. This shipping container is not meant to be sold with the watch – it is solely for transport.

Box

First up is a cardboard box. This usually gets thrown out too, and as far as we are concerned this is not part of the actual packaged.

Next is the black box.

Once the cover is removed, we see the box proper and a space with the instruction manual, the card sleeve, and a polishing cloth.

The box proper is the standard box ref. 94109558 that comes with all Dark Side of the Moon watches . There’s no mention of Apollo 8 anywhere on the box – or the documentation that comes with it for that matter.

The tray can be removed, although the only thing underneath it is some sort of traveling pouch (?).

That concludes this episode of What’s in the Box. Perhaps the most uneventful yet? No goodies, no extra booklets – but then again the watch is not a limited edition either.

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 311.92.44.30.01.00 is available at Ace Jewelers.