Omega is a giant brand with a vast global reach, a situation that breeds a quest for mass appeal into its designs. As a general rule, the brand doesn’t do niches, yet it does have a number of what marketeers call “golden bullets” in its men’s collection — standout pieces that create a halo effect of desirability for the
rest of the collection. 

Enter the Speedmaster Master Chronometer Chronograph Moonphase. Upon first glance, the eye is drawn to its detailed tachymeter scale, yet don’t let that distract you... To really get to the heart of this watch you need to shift your focus down to 6 o’clock on the dial, where you’ll be met by a moonphase display.

A high-resolution image in contrasting black and white reinforces Omega’s connection with that particular corner of the solar system: Buzz Aldrin wore an Omega Speedmaster in 1969 for Nasa’s first lunar landing. This particular moonphase feature needs adjusting only every 10 years, despite a lunar 
month’s length of just more than 29.5 days. The result is a direct and ongoing connection between the wearer and the lunar cycle. 

The more practical, everyday functionalities of this watch include the classic Speedmaster hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands anchored at the center of the dial, as well as the pointer date subdial at 9 o’clock, and chronograph hours and minutes combined on a subdial at 3 o’clock. At slightly more than 44mm in diameter and almost 17mm in width, the stainless-steel case is a prominent addition to any wrist, and those with slimmer arms should consider trying it on for a few minutes before making a purchase.

Thanks to the ergonomic contours of what are known as the watch “lugs”, or shoulders that bridge the main case and the strap, the Speedmaster manages to avoid any clunky, hard edges. The suite of pleasing aesthetic touches does not end there either; look out for the sun-brushed detailing on the blue dial, 
with its matching blue ceramic bezel; and rhodium-plated circles on the two subdials. It all adds up to a masterful display of watch design that will likely inspire many a new convert to the brand. 


MOVEMENT: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9904
FEATURES: 60hr power reserve, moonphase
CASE: stainless steel, 44mm
STRAP: black, blue, or brown leather with folding clasp
SOUTH AFRICAN DISTRIBUTOR: Omega South Africa : omegawatches.com
011 911 1200
PRICE: R140,000

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