Sameera Gamage 
Celebrating 60 years of the legendary Speedmaster’s NASA qualification, OMEGA × Swatch introduces the latest MoonSwatch 1965 that features vintage-inspired design cues and a playful twist.
On March 1st, 1965, the OMEGA Speedmaster became the first watch in the world to pass the vigorous tests set out by the American space agency NASA. That means this year is the 60th anniversary of this historic event, and as expected Omega has unveiled a timepiece in dedicated to this special anniversary. Created in conjunction with Swatch as part of the iconic MoonSwatch collection, the latest MoonSwatch 1965 bears all the visual hallmarks of the original Speedmaster tested sixty years ago.
NASA required a watch that was reliable, easy to read, and easy to use for its space missions as part of the development of the American Space Program. NASA’s goal was to have a watch that would be dedicated to all future manned space flights. As NASA is a government agency, they have to issue a formal call for tenders, which means requesting a “Request for Proposal” or RFP from several different watch manufacturers.
At the time, only three brands submitted timepieces to be used for Space missions. OMEGA submitted the Speedmaster model (ST105.003 from 1964), Longines submitted their Wittnaur 235T and brand “X” sent in its reference 6238. NASA tested all three chronograph models through 11 consecutive trials, carrying out the tests according to the rigorous criteria specially designed for the occasion by the U.S. space agency. Of the three timepieces tested, only one was awarded the prestigious flight qualification for all NASA manned space missions and extravehicular activities on March 1, 1965: the OMEGA Speedmaster.
Omega states that “NASA demanded a great deal from the watches tested, in order to qualify them and send them on manned space missions. Reliability was paramount during the 11 successive tests it put the chronographs of three different brands through. The prerequisite was a precision of 5 seconds over 24 hours, ideally within a range of +/- 2 seconds per 24 hours. The watches needed to feature a stop function, be easy to read, and antimagnetic.”
The 11 Tests Carried Out By NASA:
- High temperature test: 70°C for 48 hours, then 93°C for 30 minutes in a partial vacuum.
- Low temperature test: -18°C for 4 hours.
- Vacuum test: heated in a vacuum chamber and then cooled to -18°C for several cycles.
- Humidity test: ten 24-hour cycles in >95% humidity with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 70°C.
- Corrosion test: in an atmosphere of oxygen at 70°C for 48 hours.
- Shock resistance test: six 40 G shocks in six different directions.
- Acceleration test: progressive acceleration to 7.25 G for about five minutes and then to 16 G for 30
seconds in three axes. - Low-pressure test: 10-6 atmospheres at 70°C for 90 minutes, then at 93°C for 30 minutes.
- High pressure test: in an air pressure of 1.6 atmospheres for 60 minutes.
- Vibration test: random vibrations in three axes between 5 and 2,000 Hz with an acceleration of 8.8 G.
- Sound test: 130 decibels at frequencies from 40 to 10,000 Hz for 30 minutes.
The MoonSwatch 1965 is a non-limited chronograph that has all the details of the original 1965 Speedmaster (ST105.003) while being designed with the signature MoonSwatch features such as a bioceramic case and VELCRO strap. The timepiece’s visual elements are a nod to vintage OMEGA designs, such as the OMEGA logo used at the time, which is also shown on the strap and the crown. The hands and the inscriptions’ typeface echo the original watch’s style, giving this modern timepiece an appealing vintage feel.
Another design aspect that would stand out immediately to OMEGA and Speedmaster enthusiasts is the white dial used, which OMEGA states is a “nod to the immaculate, white-dialed OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional launched in March 2024 (310.30.42.50.04.001).” Personally, I love the white dial, as the contrast achieved from the black elements on the dial enhances the signature look of the Speedmaster.
Upon closer inspection of the chronograph counters, what you’ll find is that OMEGA rejigged the design to celebrate the momentous occasion that took place in 1965. The two counters at 2 and 10 o’clock have changes to their design, while the constant seconds counter at 6 o’clock remains unchanged. The 2 o’clock counter indicates the number 65 (normally 10) at the top, while the 10 o’clock counter displays the number 19 (normally 60), which, when put together, references the year 1965.
The operation of the sub-counters is adjusted as well to account for the extra hour and 5 minutes on the respective counters. For example, the 10 o’clock counter (19 hours) and the 2 o’clock counter (65 minutes) make a “lap of honor” at the
end of the 64th minute. The 10 o’clock counter rotates once and displays 1 hour (or rather, one hour more), while the 2 o’clock counter rotates once and displays the 5th minute. In addition to this, OMEGA has given a special blue UV light for the numbers 19, 65 and 60 (on the counter at 6 o’clock), paying tribute to the OMEGA Speedmaster and the flight qualification it received from NASA, 60 years ago, in 1965. The hour markers, hour and minute hands and the tip of the chronograph seconds hand are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova®, which glows a beautiful green.
Final Thoughts
The MoonSwatch 1965 is more than just a simple stylish reimagination of the original Speedmaster model (ST105.003) from 1965. It’s a tribute to one of the most significant milestones in horological and space exploration history. By bringing together subtle yet meaningful design details, OMEGA and Swatch have created a timepiece that captures the essence of the original 1965 Speedmaster while also embracing the playful, innovative spirit of the MoonSwatch collection.
For enthusiasts, the MoonSwatch 1965 is a chance to own a piece of history in a more playful and accessible format. While it may not carry the same mechanical pedigree as the original, the MoonSwatch 1965 delivers on nostalgia, design, and storytelling—something OMEGA has always excelled at.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42mm, 13.25mm thick & 47.3mm lug-to-lug
- Case Material: Case, crown and pushers in gray Bioceramic
- Dial: White dial with black indices and hands.
- Crystal: Hardlex Glass
- Water resistance: 30m / 3 Bar
- Movement: Quartz chronograph
- Power reserve: N/A
- Strap: Gray VELCRO® strap with contrasting light gray stitching, gray Bioceramic loop
