The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch and the Omega Speedmaster First Man in Space timepiece are two very similar timepieces with subtle differences. We will discuss both of these timepieces in this article.
If you are looking to own an Omega Speedmaster and are not sure which of these two timepieces would best fit you and your collection, this article should shed some light into them. Both watches are stellar additions to any person’s wrist and collection. Although it is noted as a Man’s watch, many women enjoy these timepieces just as much. The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most recognizable timepieces in the industry.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
The Moonwatch has a 42mm case and is 20mm between the lugs. It gets its name Moonwatch because it is the only watch that accompanied all 6 lunar missions. The black dial reference 311.33.42.30.01.001 has a Hesalite crystal to prevent shattering in space. Additionally it is a manual winding timepiece since automatic mechanisms will not work in space due to the need for gravity.
It is powered by a caliber 1861. It supports 167 feet of water resistance. The case is made from steel. It comes with a black leather band, a NATO strap and a tool to change the bracelets.
The hands, including the seconds hand, and the hour markers are filled with luminous material to foster visibility both in day and night time. The tachymetric scale surrounds the bezel and provides accurate timing from 60 to 500 mph/kph.
The pushers are at the traditional 2 and 4 o’clock positions. They manage the three dials in the center of the dial. The back side of the timepiece indicates that it is “qualified by NASA” and was the “First Watch Worn on the Moon.” These are two of the most stellar achievements because there were many competitors that failed to measure up to the NASA standards. This timepiece is listed for a mere $5,250 on the Omega site, a steal for a top notch chrono with the illustrious history it has.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega in Space
The First Omega in Space reference 311.32.40.30.01.001 has a smaller 39.7 mm case and has a 19 mm width between the lugs. 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.
It is very similar to the Speedmaster Professional in almost every way with small exceptions. It is powered by the same hand wound movement – the caliber 1861 with a 48 hour power reserve. The dial and tachymetric scale is also the same. It has identical small seconds dial, a 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with a central chronograph hand.
However it has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal which appears on most top timepieces made today. It is only slightly more expensive at $5,300, quite possibly due to the added cost of the sapphire crystal. It also comes with a leather band.
The two timepieces are so similar it could be difficult to choose between them. If you like the slightly larger case, the Professional might be the one to choose. However, the First Omega in Space does wear large and the Sapphire crystal will resist scratches far better than the Hesalite crystal.
Rubber B has an extensive lineup of watchbands for the Omega timepiece. It is easy to attach a new Rubber B band using a watchband spring tool. Rubber B offers this as an add-on on its B2 site where Omega owners can custom design the watch band of their dreams. Pictured above is a gorgeous black and grey swirl band which is made from 100% rubber.
The B2 site allows owners the ability to select various colors, stitches, textures, clasp options, and even custom engraving. However, the most creative watch owners can also upload their own designs right into the configurator tool.
Rubber B also offers real Kevlar and Swim Skin options for any timepiece including Omega Speedmaster made from pure 100% vulcanized rubber, while still having the feel of leather or fabric. For purists of real leather products, the Structure Series offers brown and black alligator leather on top of a rubber back side producing a watch band that has both style and strength.
