Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.005

The Speedmaster, otherwise known as the first Omega in space, has a longstanding and dramatic history with NASA. Launched in 1957, the watch has accompanied NASA astronauts on numerous missions — including the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission to the Moon, during which astronaut Jack Swigert used his Speedmaster to accurately time the now-famous course correction of their crippled craft, bringing the crew safely home. But its lunar credentials don't end there: a Speedmaster also accompanied Buzz Aldrin as he stepped for the first time onto the Moon — giving the watch its nifty nickname, the Moonwatch.

‘It may not look pretty on the surface, but deep down it’s beautiful.’ Those aren’t my words—those are Omega’s. The people there tasked with building the brand’s most advanced diver yet knew their watch was no looker, but that didn’t matter. It wasn’t for strutting about with; it was for using. It was the Plongeur Professionnel, the PloProf—the Professional Diver.

IT expert turned watch guru, Robert-Jan Broer has carved a niche in the field of watch marketing data that has afforded him a pleasure very few achieve: working a job he loves. His passion for watches - in particular the Omega Speedmaster - and his drive to pursue that passion has seated him among the world's most respected watch journalists. We sit down with him to chat about all things watchery.

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