Moonphase Moonwatch

Two reasons why I decided on the Moonphase Speedmaster:

(1) Omega rarely has a moonphase complication and I felt there is a iconic linkage between a moonphase and the historic significance of the Moonwatch.

(2) Transparent caseback displaying the beautiful handwinding caliber. Initially I had a thought to replace the steel caseback on my Speedy Moon to a clear sapphire one. With this, I no longer need another clear caseback.


The moon and stars against a blue night sky on the moonphase calendar wheel is truly breathtaking!




The moonphase wheel and pointer date can be set by depressing the two flushed buttons (shown above). To complete the package, Omega included an original tool (shown below) for the date and moonphase setting function.

Japan 2004 Speedmaster

From a local collector, I was fortunate to be able to own one of 2004 pieces of the Japan edition Speedmaster. This Speedmaster has a unique grey matt dial with orange accents, having a very strong racing flavor. After all, Speedmasters were once marketed with the races during her pre-Moon days.





This limited edition is unique as it does not have any limited edition number. But with only 2004 pieces released in the Japan market in 2004, the warranty card bears a Japan AD stamp with the correct cherry wood Omega box.

A timeless classic

I think most people started wearing a Casio when they started wearing watches. It is no surprise as Casio watches are one of the most durable timekeepers around and at less than $100 for a basic piece, it is a bargain.

My first watch was a Casio. When I entered the Army, I bought a Casio Mud-Resist G-Shock. It went through the sun, the sea and the sand and finally gave way, not because the quartz module failed but, due to a broken strap. I don't know where I threw it now but I am sure it is still ticking!

Recently I bought a re-issue classic G-Shock. The same timeless design and reliability. It is still a Casio Japanese quartz movement but now cased in China, due to costing. With the gold accents, it still ooze the old time retro charm. Another grab-and-go watch for the weekend!

02:56 GMT

When I first saw the 40th Anniversary Apollo 11 Speedmaster, I thought it has deviated from the classic Moonwatch look: The red tipped hand is an outstanding touch and so is the small seconds dial which is now an Apollo 11 medallion.

An overall beautiful limited edition piece and a noteworthy point is the red lettering "02:56 GMT" on the dial. What is the significance of "02:56 GMT"? Read on the little extract I took from Omega site.

Extracted from Omega official news release:

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition

The first manned lunar landing on the 20th of July, 1969 was the greatest, most dramatic scientific achievement in human history. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the moon’s surface at 02:56 GMT on the 21st of July, Aldrin was wearing his OMEGA Speedmaster and a legend was born. An interesting footnote: the electronic timing system on the Lunar Module was not functioning correctly so Armstrong had left his watch aboard as a reliable backup.