The Relationship Between the OMEGA Speedmaster and Apollo 11

Have you ever wondered why the OMEGA Speedmaster evolved to be a continuous icon to the brand and the historic Apollo 11?

Words: Amalina Anuar
Published: 23 July 2026
Reading time: 4 min

16 July 1969—a historic date where millions gathered to witness an era when humankind would touch the moon. At the heart of this event were three brave astronauts: Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Three names who embarked on a historic journey, launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Another? The OMEGA Speedmaster, a timepiece forged for the rigours of space. Also, a name synonymous with precision and style.

The backstory of this iconic timepiece is nearly as riveting as the mission itself.

How the OMEGA Speedmaster assist the Apollo 11 mission

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m.

Its story began in 1964, when NASA transformed the landscape of aerospace by seeking a wrist-worn chronograph capable of enduring the challenges of manned missions. Flight Crew Operations Director Deke Slayton led the charge by calling on watch manufacturers to submit their timepieces for testing. Among the contenders was OMEGA, and among the rest, only the OMEGA Speedmaster survived. This led for the timepiece to earn the title of “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” on March 1, 1965—a badge of honour that would soon grace the wrists of moonwalkers.

Astronaut Aldrin makes first step onto the surface of the moon.

As Armstrong and Aldrin travelled the lunar surface—also called Tranquillity Base—on 20 July, the OMEGA Speedmaster proved itself as a loyal companion through every task. With less than a minute of fuel left, Armstrong made his historic descent, stating a sentence that would resonate to this day.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

A testament to its resilience, the Speedmaster went through rigorous testing to prepare it for the demands of space. From thermal extremes to shock, proving from time and time again, that it was made for any adventure. Buzz Aldrin, who accompanied Armstrong onto the lunar surface, marvelled at the beauty of this universe, marking this the first moonwalk that lasted 2 hours and 36 minutes.

During this moment, it was where the Speedmaster achieved its own feat by becoming the first watch ever worn on the moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts. By the time of the mission, two specific models—the ST 105.012 and ST 145.012—had already made their mark in the world of horology and human history.

As the day approaches on 22 July, after being on the lunar surface for 21.5 hours, the astronauts returned with 21.55kg worth of moon samples. However, its journey did not conclude upon their descent. The Speedmaster’s journey continued gracing the wrists of astronauts on subsequent lunar missions, from Apollo 12 to Apollo 17. To this day, only 12 men have made their historic descent and walked on the moon, and the Speedmaster accompanied them through every moment.

Just days after the historic Apollo 11 mission, when the Columbia splashed down into the Pacific Ocean, the astronauts were then whisked away to the USS Hornet, where they began their 21 days of isolation. As part of this momentous occasion, OMEGA hosted an “Astronaut Appreciation Dinner” on 25 November 1969, where each astronaut was presented with a numbered edition Speedmaster in 18k yellow gold.

The journey behind the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

As we turn the pages of history, a new chapter unfolds. In November 1969, in light of the Apollo 11 landing, OMEGA unveiled a masterpiece that has since become an icon of the brand—the OMEGA Speedmaster. An introduction to the watchmaker’s first numbered editions, the timepiece was released with just 1,014 pieces launched between 1960 and 1973. Among these, the numbers 3-28 and 1001-1008 were presented to the courageous astronauts of NASA, cementing its legacy as a celestial symbol.

In 2019, OMEGA revived the signature gold design with a limited edition of 1,014 pieces—a subtle homage to the historic moment. At the heart of this timepiece lies the Master Chronometer Calibre 3861—a descendant of the movement that once travelled to the moon. Adding to its allure is the lustrous case and bracelet—crafted from the uniquely radiant 18K Moonshine gold—that draws inspiration from the shining moon in a dark blue sky.

Lens Position: 3576

Lens Position: 2455

Available in 42mm and adorned with the iconic asymmetrical caseband characteristic of the revered fourth-generation Speedmaster, the brushed yet polished bracelet offers both elegance and comfort when worn. Staying true to its historic roots, the new model features a burgundy ceramic bezel—a reinterpretation of the classic tachymeter scale. Contained within an innovative patent-pending process, this stunning bezel captures the essence of the original 1969 design, which now includes a market dot above 90.

A unique feature we can’t turn our gaze away from is the designed caseback. It now comes with engraved markings of “1969-2019” with the Limited Edition number in a burgundy hue. However, the magic doesn’t end there. Within the inner decorative ring, two laser-ablation treatments showcase a matte-finish blue ocean surrounding a polished map of the American continents, spotlighting the launch site of Apollo 11, Cape Canaveral. Adding a layer of magnificent craftsmanship, a domed lunar meteorite inlay stuns beautifully as a representation of the moon. A reminder of the celestial journey that inspired the tale of the Speedmaster.

All images courtesy of OMEGA