Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph Co-Axial Master Chronometer hesalite crystal steel bracelet 42 mm

A myth

The Speedmaster Moonwatch is a watchmaking myth, with the last facelift dating back to 1996.Imagined in 1957 by Claude Baillod and Pierre Moinat the Moonwatch has evolved, but has changed very little after the 4th generation in 1964 (Ref. 105.012). Imagined in 1957 by Claude Baillod and Pierre Moinat the Moonwatch has evolved, but has changed very little after the 4th generation in 1964 (Ref. 105.012).  To make such an icon evolve is not easy but Omega has brilliantly taken up this challenge by improving everything that should and could be improved without distorting this great classic. The icing on the cake is that this new generation has many details referring to its glorious past.

The Plexiglas version under the microscope

This reference 310.30.42.50.01.001 is the one with hesalite glass (Plexiglas) like the original Speedmaster from 1957. Its varnished black dial is similar to the 1861 one but it is a vintage-inspired degree dial.This gives it more depth and underlines the "pie-pan" effect that is very important for Omega.  On this hesalite version, the Omega logo is painted. You will also notice the new design of the minute/second indexes which takes into account the frequency of the new caliber 3861. Finally, the chronograph hand has the same "drop" shape as the Speedmaster hands used on the Moon. Here is a list of elements that distinguish the hesalite version from the sapphire version :

• The logo : on this hesalite version, the Omega logo is painted
• The typography : you will also notice the new design of the minute/second indexes which takes into account the frequency of the new 3861 caliber.
• The case: Omega has succeeded in refining the case of the new Speedmaster 3861 to give it a thickness of 13.58 mm (compared to 14.3 mm for the old 1861 version).
• The caseback: the Omega globe is positioned at the back of the 2H lug and the nature of the material on the 4H lug. Another important modification - while the 1861 version says "Flight-Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions", the 3861 says "Flight-Qualified By NASA In 1965 For All Manned Space Missions", another nod to the history that made the Speedmaster the Moonwatch.
• The bracelet: the steel bracelet of this new Speedmaster Hesalite 3861 is fully brushed. It features a new design with five screwed links and a new folding clasp engraved with the Omega logo and a convenient two-position micro-adjustment.

The OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 3861

The 3861 equips all new versions of the Moonwatch without distinction. This movement is not a novelty strictly speaking, but until today we have only seen it in action in highly prized limited series (Apollo XI and Silver Snoopy Award). This new 3861 chronograph movement is partly based on the 1861 caliber, even though it features no less than 50% new components. It features a Co-Axial Escapement, which reduces friction and increases its accuracy, which is between 0 and +5 seconds per day on average. Officially certified by METAS, this caliber is capable of resisting magnetic fields in excess of 15,000 gauss and has a power reserve of 50 hours. The Omega 3861 caliber of this Speedmaster Moonwatch is rhodium-plated and its bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève.