To mark the 60th anniversary of its iconic Speedmaster, Swiss watchmaker Omega recently welcomed journalists from around the world to its headquarters in Biel, Switzerland.
The visit offered an in-depth look at the brand’s legacy and innovation. It included three main parts: a tour of the Omega Museum, a look inside the brand’s high-tech production facilities, and a visit to the Caliber 321 workshop where a historic movement has been brought back to life.
Celebrating History at the Omega Museum
The Omega Museum, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban and located in the striking Cité du Temps, acts as both a brand archive and an interactive experience center. Inside, visitors can explore a 360-degree film on the history of timekeeping, step onto a working Olympic sprint track, and walk through a massive Speedmaster case.
One standout feature is a world map showing Omega’s global presence, while another wall showcases 64 timepieces that tell the story of the brand through various materials like steel, gold, and ceramic. A section recreates the lunar surface, a nod to Omega’s deep ties to space exploration.
Rare Watches and Presidential Connections
A special table exhibition highlighted some of Omega’s most historically significant Speedmasters and space-related watches—many rarely seen outside museum cases.
One such piece was a gold watch once owned by U.S. President John F. Kennedy. It was gifted to him before his election and engraved “President of the United States.”
“Our journey into space begins with him,” the tour guide noted.
Also on display were privately owned Speedmasters that flew in space, including one worn on Apollo 7 by Walt Cunningham and another by Gene Cernan during Apollo 17—the last watch worn on the moon. Both are on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.
“These watches are still U.S. government property,” Omega’s heritage expert said. “But we work closely with the Smithsonian and even send our watchmakers to help conserve their collection.”
Enduring Precision and NASA’s Endorsement
The exhibition also detailed Omega’s role in NASA’s qualification process for space missions. One key model was the Speedmaster reference 105.003, also known as the “Ed White” model. It underwent 11 extreme tests conducted by NASA engineer Jim Ragan—including heat, cold, shock, and pressure.
“The Speedmaster was the only watch that passed them all,” the guide explained. “Even when astronauts were given a choice, they independently selected the Speedmaster. It simply worked better.”
The visit concluded with a round-table discussion with Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, known for his energy and deep passion for the brand. His presence underscored the legacy and future of Omega’s iconic timepieces, especially those that helped shape space history.
Related Topics: