Omega - now owned by the Swatch Group - was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, and since then, has become one of the most desired and popular watches in the world; so much so that they can now boast that their watches were the choice of NASA and worn by the first men to walk on the Moon in 1969 (making it the first watch on the Moon). These watches are also trusted by Olympic officials - as the official timekeeping device of the Olympic Games since 1932, and favored by James Bond since 1995. This Swiss luxury watchmaker, based in Biel/Bienne, also makes watches that were chosen by Britain's Royal Flying Corps as its official timekeepers for combat units in 1917; with the American army doing the same in 1918.
The Speedmaster chronograph collection, created in 1957, has since then been known for its reliability, sturdiness, ease of use, high precision, and readability; becoming the quintessential sport chronograph for many people. This models became the first watch to be worn on the Moon. The Omega Speedmaster is available in many different variations, models, styles, limited editions, and unique versions – one of the newest being the Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph.
The Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph - also known as the Moonwatch Co-axial Chronograph - offers a 44.25 mm case; which is .25 mm larger than, but very similar in design to, the regular Speedmaster Professional. For example, it has the same black dial, Moonwatch-style hands, and black tachymeter on the bezel. The caliber 9300 automatic co-axial chronograph movement has a column wheel, and has little need for maintenance, with a silicon balance spring that does not wear out and should be resistant to magnetism - bringing this Speedmaster into a new era of durability. It also comes with a full four-year warranty, which is less than other models often come with. This watch is offered in multiple versions, including stainless steel that has a bevelled black dial with white transferred elements and varnished white hands. This version offers a choice of black leather strap or stainless steel bracelet. The 18-carat orange gold and platinum versions both feature a black leather strap, and are powered by the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9301; which has a 18 Ct red gold rotor and balance bridge luxury finish. All versions of this watch have been proven to wind in zero gravity, and will work on the Moon, even though they have automatic movement. Considering all that this watch offers, and the fact that there are still quite a few perfectly functioning Speedmasters that are 30 years old or older, Omega's confidence about this incarnation of this model is quite understandable.
