Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster is not just a watch—it’s a piece of history. Originally built for motorsport, its connection to space exploration and NASA missions has made it legendary. The "First Omega in Space" (FOIS) version offers a slightly smaller and more refined take on the classic design while retaining the iconic look and feel.
What We Like
- Modern Vintage Piece
- Rich In History
- Beautiful Aesthetics
What We Don't Like
- Wears Big
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Dial10
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Design10
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Quality9
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Movement9
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Wearability9
The Omega Speedmaster, affectionately known as the “Moonwatch,” holds a place in horological history that few other watches can claim. Originally designed for motorsport timing, the Speedmaster made an unexpected leap into space, becoming the first watch to be worn on the moon.
While its connection to NASA and space exploration is a major selling point, the Speedmaster is far more than just a historical artifact—it’s a versatile and stylish watch that has earned its place in collections worldwide.
A Brief History: From Motorsports to the Moon
Though many people associate the Omega Speedmaster solely with NASA and the moon landing, it was initially created for timing motorsport races. Introduced in 1957, the Speedmaster was designed to be a precise, functional chronograph, with its tachymeter scale intended for racecar drivers to measure speed. However, the watch’s fate took a turn toward the stars when NASA selected it for its space missions in the 1960s.
In 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra wore the Omega Speedmaster on the “Sigma 7” Mercury mission, marking the first time an Omega went to space. Despite popular belief, Neil Armstrong was not the first astronaut to wear the Speedmaster in space—he left his on the lunar module during the Apollo 11 moon landing—but it was Buzz Aldrin who proudly wore his Speedmaster as he stepped onto the moon. Since then, the watch has been certified by NASA for all manned space missions, solidifying its reputation as the “Moonwatch.”
Design and Aesthetics
The Omega Speedmaster’s design is nothing short of iconic. The classic black dial, crisp white markers, and tachymeter bezel have remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, a testament to the watch’s timeless appeal. While many variations of the Speedmaster exist today, including automatic versions and those with sapphire crystals, the model most closely associated with space exploration is the manually-wound Professional Moonwatch.
For this review, I opted for the “First Omega in Space” (FOIS) model, which has a slightly smaller case size of 39.7mm compared to the standard 42mm Professional. On my 16 cm wrist, the FOIS is a better fit, offering a more balanced look and feel. The smaller size doesn’t detract from its presence—in fact, the watch still commands attention and gets plenty of compliments, even from those who don’t know its rich history.
The FOIS is fitted with a leather strap, which I find much more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than Omega’s metal bracelets. While the standard Speedmaster bracelet is iconic in its own right, it can feel bulky, and I prefer the sleek, vintage look of the leather. The polished lugs and understated dial add a touch of elegance to what is otherwise a rugged tool watch, making the FOIS a versatile piece that works well in both casual and more formal settings.
Wearability and Comfort
Despite the smaller 39.7mm case size, the FOIS does wear a bit tall at 14mm. This thickness is noticeable when wearing it under a cuff, and it can occasionally feel a bit cumbersome. However, this is a minor con, especially considering the watch’s overall charm and functionality. On the wrist, the FOIS feels substantial but not overbearing, striking a nice balance between vintage style and modern presence.
One of the benefits of the manually-wound movement is that there’s no screw-down crown, which makes winding the watch straightforward. However, the winding action itself isn’t the smoothest compared to other high-end manual watches, and it can feel a bit stiff. Still, for purists who appreciate the tactile connection of winding their watch, it’s a small price to pay for a classic, hand-wound chronograph.
Movement and Timekeeping
Inside the FOIS is Omega’s Caliber 1861, the same movement that powers the modern Professional Moonwatch. While this movement is robust and historically significant, it’s not without its flaws. In my experience, the watch has gained as much as five minutes over a 24-hour period, which is less than ideal for a watch in this price range. It’s possible that this issue may be related to the break-in period for the movement, but it’s still worth noting.
That said, the Caliber 1861 is a tried-and-true movement, having proven itself in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable—outer space. Its manual winding mechanism, combined with a 48-hour power reserve, keeps the watch running accurately enough for most day-to-day activities, but it’s not quite as precise as some of the newer movements on the market. The charm of owning a Speedmaster, however, outweighs these minor timekeeping imperfections.
The Astronaut’s Dream: A Personal Connection
I’ve always had a deep fascination with space exploration, so the Speedmaster holds a special place in my collection. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, and while that dream didn’t quite materialize, owning the “Moonwatch” brings me as close as I’ll likely ever get to space. There’s something magical about wearing a piece of history, knowing that it played a role in one of the worlds greatest achievements.
The Speedmaster is more than just a watch—it’s a symbol of exploration, innovation, and the human spirit. Wearing it feels a bit like how people imagine themselves as James Bond when driving an Aston Martin. It’s a tangible connection to a dream, a reminder that, even if we don’t get to walk on the moon, we can still carry a piece of that adventure on our wrist.
Aesthetic Appeal: A Modern Vintage Piece
One of the things I love most about the FOIS is its perfect balance of vintage charm and modern functionality. The design pays tribute to Omega’s heritage, yet it doesn’t feel outdated. The curved lugs, lack of crown guards, and slim hands give it a slightly dressier look compared to the bulkier Professional model. The vintage-style leather strap complements this aesthetic beautifully, making the watch feel as much at home in an office setting as it does out on an adventure.
The dial layout remains classic—highly legible with three subdials for the chronograph function. The polished alpha hands on the FOIS give it a more refined look compared to the more familiar baton hands of the Professional model, offering a unique take on a legendary design. While the dial is busy, it never feels cluttered, and each element serves a clear purpose.
Wearability Issues and Personal Preferences
As much as I love the Speedmaster, it’s not without its cons. For one, it wears quite large despite its modest diameter. The tall profile can make it feel a bit bulky, especially on smaller wrists. It’s a watch you’ll always be aware of while wearing—there’s no forgetting it’s there.
Another minor gripe is with the movement’s accuracy. While the Caliber 1861 is undoubtedly historic, it’s not as precise as some of Omega’s newer movements. Gaining five minutes in a day is a bit much for a watch in this class, though this issue might resolve over time as the movement breaks in. Still, for a manually-wound watch with such a rich legacy, these imperfections are easy to forgive.
Conclusion
The Omega Speedmaster is a true legend in the world of watches, and the FOIS model offers a slightly more refined take on the classic design. Whether you’re drawn to it because of its connection to space exploration or simply appreciate its clean, functional aesthetic, the Speedmaster is a watch that belongs in every collection. It’s rich in history, beautifully designed, and versatile enough to wear on any occasion.
While it has its quirks—like its thick profile and sometimes temperamental timekeeping—the Speedmaster’s iconic status and undeniable charm more than make up for these minor shortcomings. For anyone fascinated by space or simply looking for a stylish, well-built chronograph, the Omega Speedmaster is an excellent choice!
Would I recommend this watch? Absolutely. Despite a few minor issues, the Omega Speedmaster is a modern classic that deserves its place in horological history. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan of beautifully crafted timepieces, this is a watch you won’t regret owning.
