It is indeed that time of the year again when watch manufacturers start to tease us with what is to come at Baselworld. Over the past few years we’ve become accustomed to seeing new ceramic models. However, this year Omega have introduced a stainless steel moon phase timepiece. Omega do have quite a bit of history in the Speedmaster moonphase department, however, this is arguably one of the most attractive ones Omega have produced to date.
The heritage of the Speedmaster reaches back to the era of space exploration, a high flyer, it nestled itself in the heart and upon the wrist of Buzz Aldrin as he ascended the heavens during the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, earning the timepiece the nickname which has now become synonymous in watch enthusiastic club lingo as, the “Moon Watch”.
The latest addition to the line expresses its heritage proudly, bridging the gap between its predecessors by exacting a new standard of testing, set in late 2015 by the Swiss federal Institute of metrology. Uncommonly know, the Speedmaster’s moon phase positioned above the luminous hour marker at 6 o’clock accurately measures the actual 29.5-day lunar month, displayed by an enchantingly high-resolution lunar image sporting superior NASA quality photography. Looking closely, an imprint of an astronaut’s foot can be found on the moon’s surface.
The “Speedmaster” name was coined by the timepiece’s novel tachymeter scale bezel which on this edition has taken on a blue hue, which has been fashioned out liquid metal. Endowing it with the luxury of possessing ‘liquid grey gold’ in it’s appearance. The dial features twin rhodium plated, circled luminous two-handed subsidiary dials positioned opposite one another positioned at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, boldly suggesting to the models unforgettable Gemini 4 mission.
A stainless steel case houses an iridescent blue dial attached to a dark blue leather strap finalising the theme of an attractive colour palette of blue, white and red. The vibrancy of the timepiece is highlighted by the raised sapphire crystal magnifying the luminescent components of the watch face, achieving an interesting floating appearance.
Venturing to address the complexity of the new 99.04 movement constructed of 368 parts one must respect the precision of it’s designed nature. The New Omega Speedmaster Moonphase is both a co-axial and a Master Chronometer offering an impressive duality. And lets not forget being a Master Chronometer, this watch celebrates another pioneering moment: OMEGA’s exacting new standard of testing, set in late 2015, by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). We have spoken about this quite extensively here.
Once we have more information about this Speedmaster Moon phase Chronograph Master Chronometer we will update you.
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