Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 15 40th Anniversary

The Speedmaster Professional became "Moonwatch" after NASA qualified it for manned space missions 1965, subsequently worn during first lunar landing 1969. The reference 311.30.42.30.01.003 represents hesalite crystal variant maintaining vintage specifications—manual-winding Calibre 1861, aluminium bezel, symmetrical case without crown guards. The design remains largely unchanged since 1960s Apollo programme.

Forty-two millimetres in stainless steel. Brushed finishing with polished bevels. Fixed bezel with black aluminium insert—tachymetre scale measuring speed over known distance. Hesalite crystal rather than sapphire—plastic material scratches easily but shatters safely without sharp fragments in zero-gravity environments. Manual-winding crown at three o'clock. Solid stainless steel caseback engraved with Omega seahorse, "The First Watch Worn on the Moon" text, and flight qualification details. Fifty metres water resistance.

Black dial with three subdials—thirty-minute chronograph counter at three o'clock, twelve-hour counter at six o'clock, running seconds at nine o'clock. Applied baton hour markers with luminous coating. White printed minute track. Tachymetre scale on rehaut. "Professional" printed above six o'clock subdial. Broad arrow hands filled with luminous material.

Inside sits Calibre 1861—manual-winding chronograph movement descended from Lemania 1873 base calibre. Column wheel construction discontinued in favour of cam-actuated chronograph mechanism reducing manufacturing costs. Eighteen jewels, 21,600 vph (3Hz)—slower frequency than contemporary 28,800 standard but adequate for chronograph precision. Forty-eight-hour power reserve. Movement not visible—solid caseback maintaining historical NASA specifications.

Stainless steel bracelet with flat three-link construction—brushed outer links, polished centre links. Folding clasp with push-button release. Very good condition from 2012 means twelve years of visible wear—expect moderate scratching on hesalite crystal (easily polished), scratching on polished case surfaces and bracelet, general patina consistent with regular use, no deep damage. Movement should maintain accuracy with regular servicing. Full set includes Omega presentation box, warranty card dated 2012, instruction manual, calibration certificate. Manufacturer's warranty expired—covered by Pride & Pinion one-year warranty.

The hesalite variant maintains purist appeal—original NASA specifications, solid caseback, tool watch authenticity. Secondary market values stable £3,500-4,500 for very good condition examples with complete documentation. The Speedmaster Professional remains only watch certified for EVA (extravehicular activity) maintaining unique position within horology despite countless competitors.