Highlighting the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase

The Speedmaster with a Moonphase

Ever since the Speedmaster chronograph became the first watch on the Moon when it accompanied Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, the watch has been affectionately called the Moonwatch. And that nickname rings even truer when an Omega Speedmaster chronograph is further equipped with a moon phase display, such is the case with this reference. 

The first time Omega fitted a moon phase display into a Speedmaster chronograph was back in the 1980s and the company has had various versions of it ever since. 

Speedmaster Moonphase with an Aventurine Dial

The Speedmaster Professional ref. 311.33.44.32.01.001 features a generously sized 44.25mm stainless steel case, which measures 14.5mm thick. Those of you who are familiar with Speedmaster watches will no doubt recognize that this is larger than the traditional 42mm size of Professional variants of the Speedmaster. Plus, adding to the prominent presence of the watch is its boxed sapphire crystal, which is of course scratch resistant. 

Mounted on top of the case is a black ceramic bezel, featuring the customary tachymeter scale that can be used to measure average speed or distances. The right side of the case is furnished with the familiar chronograph pushers flanking the winding crown. 

The highlight of this Speedmaster Moonphase is the blackened aventurine dial, which sparkles like a starry night and sets the perfect backdrop for the moon phase indicator at 12 o’clock. Depending on how the light hits the watch, the dial can transform from midnight blue to dark black but always with a touch of shimmer owing to the gorgeous flecks of gold, blue, and silver peppered throughout. 

Encircling that moon display is a brushed-finished ring that serves to indicate the date via the red moon-tipped hand. The three other subdials are similar to what you’d find on any Speedmaster Moonwatch chronograph watch —a 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder for the chronograph, in addition to a small seconds subdial. The hands and hour markers on the dial are not only crafted from 18k white gold to prevent any oxidation or tarnishing but they are also coated in luminous material for visibility in low light. 

The watch is paired with a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet that benefits from both satin and polished finishes for a great contrast in surfaces. The bracelet secures around the wrist via a twin-trigger release deployant clasp. 

Omega Caliber 1866

The back of the watch is home to a sapphire crystal display caseback for a view of the Caliber 1866 movement powering the watch. Omega Caliber 1866 is a manual-winding chronograph movement that operates at 21,600 beats per hour and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. 

In true Omega fashion when it comes to visible movements, the Caliber 1866 inside the Speedmaster Moonphase is beautifully decorated and finished. 

The periphery of the caseback is emblazoned with the words “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON” to remind us all of the Speedmaster’s notable heritage with space exploration. Also engraved in the caseback is the watch’s water depth rating, which is 100 meters or 330 feet. 

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase Chronograph ref. 311.33.44.32.01.001

Thanks to its stunning aventurine dial and charming lunar display, the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase Chronograph is one of the most beautiful Speedmaster watches that Omega has ever created. What’s more, Omega did not produce this particular reference for very long, which makes it one of the rarer variants too. This is especially true with the edition that’s fitted with a steel bracelet as opposed to the more common leather strap version. 

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase Chronograph reference 311.33.44.32.01.001 is a watch that celebrates the magic of the moon and the allure of a star-speckled night sky. In short, it is a spectacular addition to add to any watch collection. 

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