Omega has a new SpeedMaster Moonwatch model to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission to the Moon. Omega commemorated the Apollo 11 40th Anniversary in 2009 with a Apollo 11 Speedmaster Chronograph, and now follows up with its latest Limited Edition.
This new release will be limited to just 1,971 pieces, tying in with the 1971 launch of Apollo 15. It will feature the original moonwatch Hesalite Crystal and solid engraved caseback, The movement will be the manual-winding Omega calibre 1861.
Apollo 15
The Apollo 15 mission began on July 26, 1971. If it were an edition of Friends it might be known as ‘the one with the moon buggy.’ The crew, led by Col. David R. Scott, with Lt. Col. Alfred M. Worden and the late Col. James B. Irwin, landed on the Moon four days later and they wouldn’t splash down until the 7th of August. Their adventure lasted more than twelve days!
Apollo 15 was the ninth manned mission in the American Apollo space program, the fourth to land on the Moon and the eighth successful manned mission. It was the first of what were termed “J missions”, long duration stays on the Moon with a greater focus on science than had been possible on previous missions. It was also the first mission where the Lunar Roving Vehicle was used.
Apollo 15 Speedmaster Moonwatch
The watch features a polished and brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, a black aluminum ring with a tachymeter scale on the bezel and a domed shatterproof hesalite crystal with O etched inside. Its three subdials are arranged in true Speedmaster Professional fashion on the black dial: the small seconds at 9 o’clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.
Unique features of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
There are important features which distinguish the “Apollo 15” 40th Anniversary model from the classic Speedmaster Professional. This Limited Edition timepiece has a minute track in blue, white and red – the three colours of the Apollo 15 patch. There is also a blue ring around the small seconds subdial; and white and red rings around the 12-hour and 30-minute counters respectively.
The screw-in caseback is embossed with an image of the Lunar Rover and the words “APOLLO 15” and “40th ANNIVERSARY”. The outer circle of the caseback is black chrome engraved with “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”, “JULY 30, 1971” and the limited edition number.
