More than just a watch, the Moonwatch is a cult item. And it is also set to be the buzz of the start of the year with its new movement announced as even more accurate and robust. After all, not all watches can say they’ve walked on the moon.
When it comes to luxury goods, you don't remake an icon, or in any case you only make subtle adjustments that only connoisseurs can appreciate. OMEGA has made the headlines to kick-start 2021 with the announcement of a new generation of the Speedmaster Moonwatch. But die-hard vintage fans don't need to worry, the timepiece remains true to the spirit of its predecessors. Which, of course, is the whole point.
First things first: the Moonwatch will be fitted with a new calibre, the 3861, an upgraded version of the 1861 (already presented to SoBARNES readers on the Speedmaster ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ 50th anniversary piece). Which naturally means the timepiece has earned the coveted MASTER CHRONOMETER title created by OMEGA in 2015 to ensure the highest level of accuracy, performance and magnetic resistance in the Swiss watch industry. With 8 tests carried out by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) following an initial certification by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), it is safe to say that each watch is a masterpiece of accuracy and reliability.
For this high-flying launch, OMEGA has taken its inspiration from the fourth-gen Moonwatch worn by the Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969. “When updating a sacred timepiece like the Speedmaster Moonwatch, every detail must be true to its original spirit”, says Raynald Aeschlimann, OMEGA’s President and CEO. “This chronograph is recognized the world over, so we’ve approached its design with the most sincere respect, while taking its movement to the next level”. The asymmetrical case with its bevelled angles and the dial with degrees remain, of course, constant features. Along with the famous dot-over-ninety and a dot diagonal to 70 on the bezel ring (how’s that for the 100% SoBARNES detail!). But there have also been a number of updates, such as the minute track which is now split into 3 divisions, as opposed to the 5 divisions on previous models. Or the polish-brushed steel bracelet with five links per row and a new clasp, all more or less in the same design as the 1969 version.
The new Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer is available in 8 versions in gold or steel, with a leather strap or steel or gold bracelet.
Fly me to the Moon…
And because it’s you, here’s the SoBARNESpedia fact:
In 1962, NASA subjected various watches to extreme conditions in order to determine which one would make the journey to space. Only the Omega Speedmaster passed all of the tests, and became standard-issue kit for the astronauts on the Gemini and Apollo missions. On 21 July 1969, it made its first moonwalk (hence the nickname) on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin, as Neil Armstrong had to leave his inside the lunar module as a backup to an on board timer!
Infos : Omegawatches.com
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