Omega Speedmaster 311.30.40.30.01.001

Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” Moonwatch 311.30.40.30.01.001. The 39.70 mm case is in stainless steel and is inspired by the same 3rd generation style worn during America’s first spacewalk in 1965. Water resistant to 50 meters. Hand wound Omega 321 mechanical movement with Breguet balance-spring and 18K SednaTM gold PVD coated finish. The calibre that was worn on the Moon. 55 hour power reserve. Sapphire crystal glass. Featuring a Black step dial with vintage Omega logo, baton hour markers and an outer Tachymeter bezel. Black sub dials featuring small seconds, 30 minuet recorder and a 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. Steel bracelet with deployment clasp. Comes with 2 additional black textile straps, one with a Velcro fastener and one with a Tang buckle. Also comes with omega loop. Presentation box and papers dated July 2021. (RRP- £14,500) The Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” 321 is a legendary timepiece with a rich history deeply intertwined with space exploration and watchmaking excellence. It features the iconic Omega Caliber 321 movement, renowned for its precision and durability. Introduced in 1942, the Calibre 321 quickly established itself as one of the finest chronograph movements of its time. Its robust construction and exceptional accuracy made it an ideal choice for demanding applications. In the early 1960s, NASA embarked on a mission to select a watch for its astronauts. After a series of rigorous tests, including extreme temperature, pressure, and shock resistance evaluations, the Omega Speedmaster, powered by the Calibre 321 movement, emerged as the timepiece of choice for space missions. During NASA’s Gemini 4 mission in 1965, astronaut Ed White made history by performing the first American spacewalk. He wore an Omega Speedmaster with the Caliber 321 movement during this ground breaking event, solidifying its association with space exploration. The Caliber 321-powered Speedmaster continued to accompany astronauts on subsequent missions, including the Apollo program. Notably, it was worn during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon. Despite production of the Caliber 321 ceasing in the early 1970s, its legacy endured. Recognising its historical significance, Omega reintroduced the Caliber 321 in limited editions, preserving its heritage for future generations of watch enthusiasts and space exploration aficionados. In summary, the Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” 321 stands as a testament to the ingenuity of watchmaking and the triumphs of human exploration, continuing to inspire awe and admiration for its contributions to both realms.