Omega
speedmaster moonwatch - moon-watch classic

Omega Speedmaster Professional 2005 Millennium Full Set: the classic Moonwatch. A hand-wound mechanical chronograph that follows the specifications updated in 1996 from the watches used during NASA’s space missions. This watch’s story began in 1957 with the goal of becoming the watch for racing drivers, aiming to compete with Heuer. Quickly noticed by aircraft pilots, this chronograph with elegant lines and simple, effective use enjoyed great success in the aviation community — despite lacking a rotating bezel.

In fact, it is precisely this tachymeter bezel that paradoxically contributed to its rapid success and led to it being selected by NASA for its space missions. A rotating bezel could easily damage the wearer’s sleeve due to the ridged edges required for manipulation. In contrast, the tachymeter bezel on the Speedmaster is smooth and non-abrasive, offering a more comfortable and uniform-friendly alternative. Rolex adopted a similar approach with the Daytona, using a tachymeter bezel to appeal to clients who disliked the ridged rotating bezel of the GMT Master.

It’s also worth noting that both the Speedmaster and the Rolex Daytona have seen a spectacular rise in value and popularity in the past 20 years. If we compare their auction results and retail prices, these two chronographs — best sellers from their respective brands — follow a similar trend. The difference lies mainly in the timeline: the Daytona started its rise in the 1990s, whereas the Speedmaster truly took off in the collectors’ market around 2005, spurred by Omega’s relaunch of commemorative and limited series.

Today, after being worn by numerous celebrities and public figures in many television series (such as Kate Beckett, the writer’s partner in the show “Castle”), this collector’s watch remains a favorite among many professional pilots, both male and female, as well as prestigious units such as the RAID of the French National Police and various government agencies.

Discover our pre-owned Omega Speedmaster