Speedmaster History:

The Omega Speedmaster was launched to the world in 1958 (production began in 1957) with 1/5th seconds,minute,and hour markings in white on a black dial immediately creating a 'classic'. The inclusion of the three sub dials conveyed the message that this was a 'serious' timepiece'. Tachometer figures were engraved on the bezel and the Cal.321 manual wind movement was encased in a stainless steel case originally developed for the seamaster. An o-ring seal was employed to give a degree of waterproofing. This first model is very rare today.

An upgraded model was released in 1959 (ref: CK2998) which employed additional o-ring seals to the chronograph pushers. The hands were also altered to 'alpha' ones. Production continued and in 1962 Walter Schirra wore a regular production Speedmaster into space aboard Sigma 7. Finally, the Speedmaster had found the ultimate enviroment, in which it was to thrive. More on the Speedmaster in Space

Typical c.1959 Cal.321 model

After undergoing stringent NASA testing, outpreforming all rivals, the Omega Speedmaster was officially 'Flight Qualified' for space travel in 1965. It became standard equipment on all NASA space flights from then on. In 1965, Edward White became the first American to walk in space and he was accompanied by his Speedmaster. In 1966, in recognition of this feat, Omega renamed the Speedmaster the Speedmaster Professional.

1966 Speedmaster Professional Cal.321

Since Walter Shirra's1962 Mercury Atlas mission in 1962; through all of the manned Gemini and Apollo missions; Skylab 1, 2, and 3; to the modern Space Shuttle missions, the Omega Speedmaster and Speedmaster Professional models have accompanied astronauts into the unforgiving extremes of space. Since the historic Apollo-Soyuz rendzevous in 1975, Soviet and Russian cosmonauts have also used the Speedmaster Professional. More on the Speedmaster in Space

On July 21, 1969 at 02.56 GMT, the Speedmaster (Cal.321) was worn by Neil Armstrong (Apollo 11) when he became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon and utter the immortal words "Thats one small step for mankind, one giant leap for mankind". This extraordinary timepiece is the only watch ever worn on the Moon and the only watch flight certified for astronauts and cosmonauts during their walks in space.

In 1968, Omega launched the Speedmaster Professional Mark II utilising the Cal.861 movement. The Mark II was offered with a variety of different dials and included models in stainless steel and gold. This was followed in 1971 with the Speedmaster Mark III which used the Cal. 1040 movement and thus had had a date indicator and was an automatic.

1969 Speedmaster Mark II Cal.861

1971 Speedmaster Mark III Cal.1040

In 1973, to celebrate 125 years of watchmaking by Omega, the Speedmaster 125 was launched. Only 2000 models were manufactured and it was the first 'Officially Certified' chronometer to be offered by the company. It used the Cal. 1041 movement.

1975 Speedmaster Automatic Cal.1045

In 1975, Omega released several automatic models using the Cal. 1045 movement which displated day and date. This is a Lemania 5100 movement adapted by Omega. From 1977 Omega manufactured several digital Speedmasters using a Cal. 1620 movement. These are collectable today if found in 'mint' condition.

As the Speedmaster Professional remained unchanged (bracelet excepted) over these years, Omega introduced several more Ltd. Editions celebrating the Moon landings ( 10th, 20th, 25th & 30th) with ever increasing run numbers. Also introduced in 1980 was a Professional version with an adapted Cal. 861 movement...the Cal. 863. This model was the first with a sapphire crystal back and it should be noted that this model is NOT 'Flight qualified' by NASA.

Other various automatic models were introduced over the next years including one in 1987 which although using the usual Cal. 1045 movement, was the first automatic to use the standard round 'Professional' case.

1987 Speedmaster Automatic Cal.1045