55 years ago, the Apollo 11 astronauts took humanity's first bold steps on the lunar surface. It was a moment that changed history and the limits of human possibility forever. It was at this glorious moment that the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional became the first watch to set foot on the moon, establishing the iconic and historic legacy of this chronometer.
On this special occasion, OMEGA commemorates this incredible mission and the unique journey that
Moonwatch has travelled to reach the surface of the moon.
It all started in 1964, when NASA experts officially began their search for a watch they could rely on for manned spaceflight. Deke Slayton, director of operations for the space crew, requested wrist chronographs from various manufacturers around the world. Several well-known watch companies, including OMEGA, had their watches subjected to rigorous tests - thermal, shock, vibration, and even tests for behavior in space. Only the OMEGA Speedmaster survived all the tests and was declared "suitable for all manned space missions" on March 1, 1965.
From that point on, OMEGA was the sole supplier of watches for NASA's entire manned flight program. Astronauts trusted OMEGA watches in the Mercury, Gemini and, of course, Apollo programs, which had the moon landing in its sights.
The eyes of the world were on Apollo 11 in July 1969, and every piece of equipment and technology had to be in perfect working order. There was no room for error or mistake. That is why it is a great honour for OMEGA to look back and know that OMEGA watches have earned the trust of everyone involved.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface on 21 July 1969 at 02:56 UTC. Their moonwalk lasted only two and a half hours, but what they accomplished left a major mark on the history of space exploration.
55 years later, OMEGA is still incredibly proud to have measured the most famous clock in human history and to have been part of this groundbreaking story.
