Singapore Tatler Jewels & Time
TO THE MOON AND BACK
The Omega Speedmaster has a unique place in the history of space exploration as the only piece of equipment that has been used in all of Nasa’s manned space missions. When Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969, the world was abuzz with excitement— but not just from witnessing of his “giant leap for mankind” with fellow moonwalker Neil Armstrong. The astronaut was also wearing a handsome wristwatch, Omega’s Speedmaster Professional, which has since been nicknamed the Moonwatch.
The Speedy is one of Omega’s most iconic timepieces, so it’s unsurprising that the brand has introduced a limited edition of the model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Limited to 1,014 pieces and made from Moonshine Gold—omega’s newly developed 18K gold alloy, which is slightly paler than traditional yellow gold—the watch is obviously in high demand.
The Moonwatch’s basic aesthetic is kept alive with a 42mm case, but the dial features two distinct zones: a central varnished grey centre and a blackened outer ring for the minute track. The hour marker at 11 o’clock has been replaced with two “1” markings in a reference to Apollo 11, while a distinctive 9 o’clock sub-dial in Moonshine Gold features a laser engraving of Aldrin.