MOONSWATCH celebrates the 60th anniversary of the OMEGA SPEEDMASTER’s spaceflight qualification

"...A pivotal moment in the history of space exploration is being commemorated once again, as the OMEGA Speedmaster marks six decades since it became the only timepiece to successfully pass NASA’s rigorous testing and receive official certification for manned space missions..."

During an era when multiple nations were competing to conquer the Moon, NASA sought a watch that was reliable, precise, easy to read, and convenient for astronauts to use. The U.S. space agency launched a formal procurement process, specifying that the watch must be a commercially available model. Only three manufacturers submitted their timepieces for evaluation, and OMEGA was among them, entering the Speedmaster (ST105.003) from 1964 into an exhaustive series of 11 extreme tests. These assessments were meticulously designed to simulate the harsh conditions of space. Once the evaluation was complete, NASA officials praised the Speedmaster for its "accuracy, reliability, legibility, and superior ease of use compared to other models."

Shortly after receiving its certification, on 3rd June 1965, astronaut Ed White conducted the first American spacewalk, floating outside the spacecraft for over 20 minutes with an OMEGA Speedmaster securely strapped to his wrist. Now, to honour the 60th anniversary of this historic achievement, OMEGA and SWATCH have collaborated to create the MOONSWATCH 1965—a timepiece inspired by the original Speedmaster that withstood NASA’s stringent tests six decades ago.

The MOONSWATCH 1965 features a distinctive design that pays homage to the Speedmaster’s legendary legacy, with elements that reflect the original NASA-certified model. From the vintage OMEGA logo to the hands and font, every detail evokes the essence of the classic timepiece. The watch is characterised by its pristine white dial, reminiscent of the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional introduced in March 2024. However, what truly sets it apart is its unique chronograph sub-dial configuration at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions.

In a subtle yet meaningful tribute, the sub-dial at 10 o’clock displays the number "19" instead of the usual "60," while the sub-dial at 2 o’clock shows "65" instead of "10." Together, they form "1965"—the year the Speedmaster earned its NASA certification. The chronograph function is also exceptionally designed, with the 2 o’clock sub-dial measuring a full 65-minute interval before progressing to hour tracking. Both hands complete their rotations within 64 minutes, after which the hand at 10 o’clock indicates that one hour has passed, while the hand at 2 o’clock marks an additional five minutes. Furthermore, the number "60" at the 6 o’clock position glows under UV light, enhancing the watch’s futuristic appeal. The hands and hour markers are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova®, ensuring optimal legibility even in complete darkness.

The MOONSWATCH 1965 will officially launch on 1st March 2025—the exact anniversary of the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification. It will be available exclusively at selected Swatch boutiques worldwide, with a strict purchase limit of one watch per person, per store, per day.

Also See: Craftsmanship redefined in the Octo Finissimo Collection’s journey to excellence