Watches with History: The Omega Speedmaster

One of the most famous chronographs in history, the Omega Speedmaster, has a storied past unparalleled by others.

Omega originally released the first Speedmaster in 1957 as a sports chronograph, which helped to assert Omega as the manufacturer of timing equipment for sports, racing and most famously, the Olympic Games. 

The original design, created by Claude Baillod, featured a broad arrow hour hand, and has become the standard design of Omega watches today. 

The Omega Speedmaster design that we recognize as the ‘Moon Watch,’ which recently celebrated its 60^th anniversary, took off during the Space Race of the 1960s. In the USA’s competition with Russia, NASA began its research to find a watch for astronauts to wear while working.  In 1962, NASA began purchasing chronographs from companies such as Omega, Rolex, Longine and Breitling to test under extreme conditions.  Omega’s Speedmaster was the obvious choice after rigorous examination.  Shortly after, the Speedmaster made history as the first watch to reach the surface of the moon on the wrist of astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Over the past several decades, the Omega Speedmaster has continued to undergo modifications and updates, and even limited edition styles have been released.  However, the history of the Omega will always be known for its performance as NASA’s ‘moonwatch,’ forever valued for its precision and reliability.

If you’re considering an Omega timepiece for yourself or a loved one, Jewelry-N-Loan is the place to make that purchase. Jewelry-N-Loan also has a second generation watchmaker, who offers complete service and repair on Omega and other luxury watch brands. If you’re looking for extra cash, the family owned pawn shop also purchases and loans against Omega watches.  Please contact Jewelry-N-Loan at 949.645.0488 or visit the location in Costa Mesa, CA.