On the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, OMEGA reflects on its vital role in one of humankind’s most iconic achievements. At 02:56 UTC on July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, followed closely by Buzz Aldrin. The two astronauts spent just 2 hours and 36 minutes outside the Lunar Module, yet their steps marked a defining moment in the story of space exploration. Worn during that legendary walk, Buzz Aldrin’s OMEGA Speedmaster became the first watch on the Moon — a distinction that continues to define the brand’s legacy.
OMEGA remains immensely proud of its contribution to this mission. The Speedmaster, already trusted by astronauts, proved itself under the most demanding conditions of space. For millions who watched the Moon landing broadcast live — a staggering 600 million globally — the Speedmaster was silently recording history in real time.
Commemorating 60 years since NASA qualification
In 2025, OMEGA also celebrates a second milestone: the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification for all manned space missions. On March 1, 1965, following rigorous tests under extreme temperatures, shocks, vibrations, and vacuum conditions, NASA officially certified the Speedmaster. This selection came after extensive evaluation by Flight Crew Operations Director Deke Slayton, who examined chronographs from several top global watchmakers. Only the Speedmaster endured the full test sequence.
This endorsement marked the start of the Speedmaster’s trusted use in missions beyond Apollo, including the earlier Mercury and Gemini programs. As a result, the timepiece became a symbol of both endurance and precision during spaceflight — attributes essential to mission-critical performance.
Looking forward to the future of space exploration
Since the historic landing, OMEGA has remained an active partner in space missions, continuing to support astronauts with reliability and precision. The brand’s deep-rooted commitment to exploration has not only preserved its relevance over decades but has also driven its innovation forward. As space agencies look toward new frontiers, OMEGA’s Speedmaster continues to inspire — echoing the legacy of the first Moonwatch and reminding the world of its place in history.
OMEGA’s story in space is far from over. With its eyes on future missions, the brand reaffirms its dedication to precision timekeeping — just as it did on that monumental night in July 1969.