Which OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch version is the right one for you?

Telephone: [phone]

Chris goes in depth with the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, Sapphire Sandwich and First man in space, to help determine which one is the best choice for you!

Timestamps:
1:21 - Intro
1:51 - Features
5:54 - Humble Opinion

Video Fact Corrections!
*Neil Armstrong did not wear his Speedmaster on the moon, he left it inside the module. Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk on the moon after Armstrong, did however wear his Speedmaster while walking on the moon.

*The sapphire sandwich is 13.6mm thick while the hesalite is 14.7

Watch information:
-----------------------
MOONWATCH PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH 42 MM
311.30.42.30.01.005
Steel on steel
$5,350.00

DESCRIPTION
The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of OMEGA’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary Speedmaster is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit.

This OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” features a black dial covered by a hesalite crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. The black bezel, with its tachymetric scale, is mounted on a 42 mm stainless steel case and presented on a matching bracelet.

At the heart of this chronograph is OMEGA’s mechanical calibre 1861, the legendary manual-winding movement worn on the Moon. This timepiece is offered with a special Moonwatch presentation box which contains a "NATO" strap, a strap for astronauts, a tool to change the bracelet and a book highlighting Speedmaster's adventures.

FEATURES
- Chronograph
- Small seconds
- Tachymeter

TECHNICAL DATA
- Between lugs: 20 mm
- Bracelet: steel
- Case: Steel
- Case diameter: 42 mm
- Dial color: Black
- Crystal: Hesalite crystal
- Water resistance: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)

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MOONWATCH PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH 42 MM
311.30.42.30.01.006
Steel on steel
$6,350.00

DESCRIPTION
The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of OMEGA’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary Speedmaster is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit.

This OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” features a black dial covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. The black bezel, with its tachymetric scale, is mounted on a 42 mm stainless steel case and presented on a matching bracelet.

At the heart of this chronograph is OMEGA’s mechanical calibre 1863, the legendary manual-winding movement worn on the Moon, visible through the transparent caseback. This timepiece is offered with a special Moonwatch presentation box which contains a "NATO" strap, a strap for astronauts, a tool to change the bracelet and a book highlighting Speedmaster's adventures.

FEATURES
- Chronograph
- Small seconds
- Tachymeter
- Transparent case back

TECHNICAL DATA
Between lugs: 20 mm
Bracelet: steel
Case: Steel
Case diameter: 42 mm
Dial color: Black
Crystal: Domed, scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside
Water resistance: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)

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ANNIVERSARY SERIES CHRONOGRAPH 39.7 MM
First OMEGA In Space
311.32.40.30.01.001
Steel on leather strap
$5,300.00

DESCRIPTION
The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of OMEGA’s most iconic timepieces. The Moonwatch "First Omega in Space" was inspired by the watch worn by astronaut Wally Shirra in 1962 as he orbited the earth during the "Sigma 7" mission.

This numbered edition model features a bold varnished black dial with a small seconds dial, a 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with a central chronograph hand and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The black bezel, with its tachymetric scale, is mounted on a 39.7 mm stainless steel case with symmetric lugs, and the watch is presented on a brown leather strap.

At the heart of this chronograph is OMEGA's calibre 1861, the famous manual-winding movement that was worn on the moon, which is covered by a caseback embossed with the original 1962 Seahorse.

FEATURES
- Chronograph
- Numbered edition
- Small seconds
- Tachymeter

TECHNICAL DATA
Between lugs: 19 mm
Bracelet: leather strap
Case: Steel
Case diameter: 39.7 mm
Dial color: Black
Crystal: Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside
Water resistance: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)

[jimber]

I have had my Sapphire Sandwich for just over 13 years and it still looks brand new, like the day I got it!

[jeffreyvoyer]

I just got the Speedmaster professional with the heselite. It’s my favorite one. Love the height and the smooth edge of the crystal. Beautiful.

[aemiliusaugustus]

Neil Armstrong did not wear his Speedmaster on the moon, he left it inside the module. Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk on the moon after Armstrong, did however wear his Speedmaster while walking on the moon.

[steve]

Good video, think it's the 'first omega' however not the 'first man' in space watch.

[robertvanderpoel]

With “First Man in Space” you seem to refer to the “first Omega in Space” Speedmaster. In horology it’s all about the details 😉

[peterbennett]

I bought my speed master in 1971 whilst serving in the Australian Army, still working but needs a service. Incidentally Armstrong left his Omega in the lunar lander when he went on the moon, but Aldrin wore his for his moonwalk, Cheers keep up the good work 👍

[DZ_____]

FOIS - stunning handset, beautiful dial and great proportions

[michaelbarrett]

After an agonizing amount of research, comparison and personal preference, I opted for the sapphire sandwich. The sapphire display case on the back, sealed the deal for me and the sapphire crystal on the front was an added draw. I’ve had it for seven years now and I still love it every bit as much as I did the day I opened the beautiful display box. The added accoutrements of the jewelers eyepiece, the two NATO straps, and the other goodies that come in the commemorative display box make this a no-brainer for me.

[mikeuk]

The first man in space was Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. Wally Schirra wore the CK2998 in 1962, making his the First OMEGA in Space. I think that the FOiS is the one I'd choose, for neat size, original case shape, scratch-resistant crystal, blacker dial, different caseback, history, interesting hands, etc. I'd add the replica JB/Forstner mesh bracelet too, which is and looks great for very little extra money and lots more authenticity than the leather.

[patrickfrench]

Sapphire Sandwich for me! That movement is a thing of beauty to look at for me. A grail. 😎😍

[reymaduro]

Great comparison Chris! I agree the sapphire sandwich is the way to go and that display back is a work of art. But all look great on the wrist. Good to see you today.

[barnpicks]

That white ring on sapphire sandwich is distracting. Feels like an added metal ring between the bezel and dial reminds me of my SM300 and why I sold it on and got the Hesalite version. When you look at a Hesalite it always make you feel you’re looking at an Astronaut’s helmet and you hear the radio communications between Houston and the Astronaut’s on the Moon. That feeling you can never experience in any watch that is why a Speedy is a Must for any watch enthusiasts.

[Todd.T]

Thanks for piecing this together. The 1863 features a metal brake instead of a delrin (plastic) brake to make the movement look better. There is no Faraday cage on the 1863 so you can see the movement, making the 1861 less likely to become magnetized. And finally "Tachymetre" is waaay different then tachometer.

I own a sapphire sandwich.

[nhojcam]

Neil didn't wear one when he stepped from the LEM to the surface of the moon. He left it behind for Buzz as a backup timer in case things went sideways. Buzz did wear his on the surface however.

[nyancorp]

I'd go for the classic version. It looks better than the sapphire. I'm not concerned about scratches. I had a Casio for over eight years and it got only one tiny scratch on the soft plastic crystal. A mechanical watch needs to be serviced after some years, and at this occasion you may have the crystal replaced or repolished which isn't so expensive with the Hesalithe.

[cgimovieman]

I’ve been scrutinizing these watches for years now, as I’ve waited for a particular moment that I’ve always planned to buy one. I’ve debated and debated. I’m usually a purist about things, and like some of the more original features of the hesalite. But overall I’ve always thought that I like the shiny clarity of the sapphire face better, as well as its ability to not scratch as much. I also do like the seeing the movement on the back, which is slightly more modern than the hesalite. The sapphire also has parts of the bracelet on the newer model now that are subtly polished in between the brushed, while the hesalite is all brushed. Lastly, the hesalite’s Omega logo is printed or stamped, while the sapphire is appliqué and reflective. But I do like elements of both. In the end, neither of these are the exact specs as the 1969 Moonwatch. So if you’re going for that, neither will be it. But both are, I think, essentially that watch in modern form.

[bernarrcoletta]

Your watchmaker worked on my 145.022-76 a couple of months ago and knocked 40 years off the clock. It hasn’t run this well in years.

[lane]

I purchased the Hesalite primarily because General Tom Stafford was at the store for a private event and was signing boxes. Although I love the exhibition back, a watch with his signature cries out for originality.

[JeanMarcSalama]

Love the video... BTW, It was Buzz Aldrin that wore the watch on the moon. First watch on second man on the moon...

[dvirshany]

Love your videos! Just for your information- the sapphire sandwich is 13.6mm thick while the hesalite is 14.7. It translates to a pretty big difference in practice.

Cheers!