The Speedmaster is turning 60 – six decades of evolution for this style with the same aesthetics and history. It was at the dawning of man’s conquest of space that the first Speedmaster took off into the galaxy in 1959, on the wrist of Walter Schirra. The second version of the Speedmaster would take off on October 3, 1962, when it was chosen by the astronaut for the Mercury program’s Sigma 7 mission. Starting from then, Omega has made space its territory of exploration. Three years later, in 1965, the Speedmaster definitively became the watch that infallibly allowed for Apollo 11’s return to earth – on the wrists of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, it became the first watch to walk on the moon.
By celebrating the last six decades of the Speedmaster, Omega is presenting a vivid homage to the life of the chronograph, from 1957 to 2017, in London. With 60 memorable styles on display for a special soirĂ©e on April 26 at the Tate Modern in London, the brand told a unique story of rare editions or homages to technology, design, and the Speedmaster spirit. Hosted by Professor Brian Cox, the Speedmaster’s 60th anniversary soirĂ©e was orchestrated with a sensorial experience – inside the museum, an elegant and futuristic decoration plunged invitees into a universe of sound and light. The most impressive however was without a doubt the arrival of Buzz Aldrin in a space suit, 48 years after his stellar exploit.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President of Omega, explained during the event: “The Speedmaster is one of the most, if not the most iconic watches in the world. Not just for Omega, but also for the numerous men and women who’ve worn it and who’ve trusted it. Even after 60 years, its power and charisma are none the lesser. We’re so proud to have an event at this level and to share it with the biggest fans of Speedmaster.” Among the timepiece’s fans that night were Clemence Poesy, Pixie Lott, Arizona Muse, Erin O’Connor, and George Clooney, bringing the Omega galaxy even further up into the stars.
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