The Omega Speedmaster is one the most iconic names in watches having started life in 1957 as a manual wind, three register chronograph. The movement used was the Ω321 which was based on the Lemania 3210 which was initially released in 1942.

As we all know, the speedmaster’s reputation (literally) shot into the stratosphere and beyond…….onto the moon in fact, becoming immortalised as the first watch worn on the moon in 1969.

Fast forward 20 years and here we have the 1989 version of the Speedmaster, faithful to its ancestor in design, it is the evolutionary advanced, descendant of that first Speedmaster. The functions are identical; three register chronograph with sub dials at 9, 6 and 3. The only real difference is that the dedicated seconds hand is at 3 on this watch whereas it’s at 9 on the older “moon watch”. As is usual for Swiss automatics, it can also be hand wound. And I mention that because this movement has one the smoothest winding actions that I have ever come across. Also it features a high beat escapement, 28,800 BPH making it potentially very accurate

But, the real difference is that now we have auto wind! Neil Armstrong had to hand wind his Speedy while he was strolling around on the moon which would have been difficult while wearing a moon glove, I would think!

The movement is the Ω1140 which is based on the brilliant ETA 2890-2. What!!! I hear you thinking. Omega using a generic movement! Well, all of them have done it, Patek Philippe and Rolex included, exception were Seiko and Citizen that I know of. But I think Omega can be excused because they and ETA are owned by the same parent company.

Finally, I present a photo with my “moonwatch” alongside the “Reduced”. Why call it “Reduced”? Well, as you can see it is noticeably smaller.(38 mm compared to 42 mm) So I suppose that’s the reason. Not only that, it is also slimmer, (11 mm compared to 14 mm) With all the extra mechanics involved with the auto mechanism you would expect it to be bulkier than it’s more basic predecessor. But let’s not forget that we are comparing technology from 1942 to that of the 80s. So, in reality, the Ω1140 is much more refined with finer components. The balance, for example needs to be smaller and lighter to enable it to perform at 28,800 BPH.

There are very few watches that are as distinctive as the Speedmaster. When I am wearing one I have been asked by strangers “Is that a speedmaster” immediately identifying them self as an aficionado of fine classic watches. And the reverse happens when I spot one.