MoonSwatch 1965: A Tribute To The Legendary Speedmaster’s NASA Qualification
The highly anticipated MoonSwatch 1965 is set to arrive on March 1st, celebrating a significant milestone in the history of the Omega Speedmaster—the NASA flight qualification in 1965. This commemorative timepiece pays tribute to the Speedmaster ref. 105.003, the watch that successfully passed NASA’s rigorous testing and was officially used in space during the Gemini III mission on March 23, 1965, by astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young.
In 1965, NASA conducted extensive tests on various watch brands to determine which timepiece could withstand the extreme conditions of space travel. Among the contenders that met the initial requirements were Omega, Rolex, and Longines. However, after the tests concluded on March 1st, only one watch emerged victorious—the Omega Speedmaster, equipped with the iconic Caliber 321. This achievement cemented Omega’s place in history as the official supplier of watches for NASA astronauts.
The new MoonSwatch 1965 embraces this legacy with a design that honors the original Speedmaster. It features a clean white dial housed in the signature Bioceramic case, which appears in shades of gray to complement the matching Velcro strap. What sets this special edition apart from its predecessors are the unique historical details infused into its design. The most striking feature is the applied vintage Omega logo in black at noon, harmonizing with the black-toned hands that closely resemble those of the 1965 Speedmaster. The center chronograph seconds hand, in particular, draws inspiration from the original model, enhancing the watch’s nostalgic appeal.
One of the most remarkable details lies in the two sub-dials positioned at 10 and 2 o’clock, which deviate from the traditional markings. Instead of the usual numerals 10 and 60, they display the numbers 19 and 65—an homage to the pivotal year of the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification. These numerals are filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova, which emits a striking blue glow in the dark. Additionally, the two counters run a new time marked on them, displaying 19 hours and 65 minutes instead of the usual 10 hours and 60 minutes, another nod to this historic milestone. To maintain design consistency, the running seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock also features a luminescent numeral 60, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic. The remaining hour markers retain the printed minute/second track along the edges, with their tops filled with luminescent material that glows green, matching the three central hands.
Externally, the MoonSwatch 1965 maintains the signature 42mm case size and classic Speedmaster silhouette, featuring a black tachymeter bezel with the iconic dot over 90. The crown, adorned with the Omega and Swatch logos, is flanked by two pushers, ensuring the familiar chronograph functionality. With a water resistance of 30 meters, the watch remains consistent with the specifications of previous MoonSwatch models.
This highly collectible MoonSwatch 1965 will be available exclusively at selected Swatch stores, following the brand’s standard policy of one unit per customer per purchase. Priced at €275, the same as its predecessors, this tribute to the legendary Speedmaster 1965 is expected to attract enthusiasts and collectors eager to own a piece of horological history.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Swatch
Model: MoonSwatch 1965
Dial: White
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: BioCeramic
Case Dimensions: 42 mm Diameter, 13.75 mm thickness
Case Back: BioCeramic
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Grey Velcro strap
Calibre: Swiss quartz movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Winding: Quartz
Price: € 275
Limited Edition: No
Availability: March 1st, 2025
