Buzz Aldrin / OMEGA
On 21 July 1969, the former NASA astronaut Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr, better known as Buzz Aldrin, made history with the first moon landing alongside Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins. The three-man crew voyaged to the moon on the Apollo 11 mission, wearing the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional – at which point, the Swiss luxury timepiece became the first watch worn on the moon.
The Apollo 11 mission remains the most extraordinary highlight of OMEGA’s long heritage in space. It is an honour to commemorate that story today – and celebrate the inspirational accomplishments of Buzz Aldrin himself.
A Celebration of That Famous Day
To commemorate the historical day, OMEGA captured a new portrait of Buzz Aldrin wearing the Speedmaster 321 (Ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001) – which houses the legendary caliber that powered every Speedmaster ever worn on the moon.
Courtesy of NASA
The astronaut was in the Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 11 when it touched down on the Sea of Tranquillity 54 years ago. His first steps were a remarkable achievement for humanity and the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional on his wrist.
To this day, the Speedmaster Moonwatch has been worn by astronauts on every moon landing in history. After being qualified by NASA for “all manned space missions” in 1965, the timepiece became the official kit for its accuracy and reliability on all the successful Apollo journeys, beginning with Apollo 11 in 1969 and ending with Apollo 17 in 1972.
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During the first moon landing in 1969, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface wearing an OMEGA Speedmaster. Famed as one of the watches worn on the moon, the fourth generation of Speedmaster is a timepiece qualified by NASA for all manned missions. It was a defining hour for humankind, and the ultimate display of OMEGA’s pioneering spirit and reliable precision.
Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 42mm
The Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of the world’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six moon landings, the legendary chronograph is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit.
Driven by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, the small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder, and 12-hour recorder, along with the central chronograph function, are powered with exquisite craftsmanship and revolutionary components that guarantee the highest standards of performance. From the Co-Axial escapement for long-lasting precision, to the silicon balance spring for superior anti-magnetism, OMEGA has conquered every challenge that matters.
Presented on a brushed five-arched-links-per-row bracelet, this 42mm Moonwatch in stainless steel features hesalite glass on the front and an embossed Seahorse medallion on the case back. Inspired by the fourth generation Speedmaster style worn on the moon, it also includes an asymmetrical case, black step dial and the famous dot over 90 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring, which are nearly twice as hard as regular versions, therefore making them more resistant to outer damage.
Discover all the 12 variations of Moonwatch Professional here.
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