50 years ago, in 1970, Omega received the coveted from the astronauts at recognizing the brand’s unique contributions to space exploration, as well as the Speedmaster’s vital support during the rescue of
Snoopy, Omega’s favorite beagle, plays a prominent role within the new chronograph, first appearing as an embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock. Here, he is shown wearing his famous spacesuit, in the exact style of the silver pin that NASA astronauts give to award recipients.
The dial is manufactured in silver and laser-engraved with Ag925. It includes two more blue subdials, as well as blue PVD angle-shaped hour markers and hands.
On the case-back, the fun begins! So cool…
This time, Snoopy has gone into orbit, thanks to his animated black and white Command and Service Module (CSM) on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is in use, Snoopy takes a trip around the mysterious far side of the moon – just like the Apollo 13 crew – with the lunar surface being decorated on the sapphire crystal using a unique micro-structured metallisation.
In the distance, a vision of our home is included. This Earth disc rotates once per minute, in sync with the watch’s small seconds hand, and symbolises the precise rotation of the Earth. The iconic quote, is included within the black universe.
The keeps all case-back engravings in the correct, upright position, including the date in 1970 that Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award, as well as a tribute to the imperiled Apollo 13 mission that same year.
The watch’s blue nylon fabric strap matches the other blue elements of the watch, and even features the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission, embossed on the lining. This strap is attached to a 42 mm case in stainless steel, which is inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style (the first watch worn on the moon in 1969).
The tachymeter scale, with the iconic “Dot over Ninety”, is shown in white enamel on a blue ceramic [ZrO2] bezel ring.
The Speedmaster comes with a full 5-year warranty, and will NOT be a limited production.
The watch comes in its own Apollo 13 presentation box, with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a brochure, and a magnifying glass to help you get up close to the details.
CASE
Case: Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47 mm
Height: 14,47 mm
Dial Colour: Silver
WATER RESISTANCE
5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)
CRYSTAL
Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
CALIBRE
Omega 3861, manual-winding chronograph movement with Co-Axial escapement. Free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring. Rhodium-plated finish, bridges with straight Geneva waves. The power reserve is 50 hours.
The is the successor of the legendary …
Omega was determined to produce a movement that could be Master Chronometer certified, yet perfectly match the dimensions of the 1861. That meant finding a way to fit all of the new state-of-art componentry into a space more suited to an older movement. A challenge certainly, as the 3861 has 240 components compared to the 1861’s 234, but Omega’s engineers were up to the task, improving power reserve, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance.
Daily deviations were improved from -1/+11 seconds to now 0/+5 seconds, and a stop second function was added, allowing the wearer to stop the seconds hand with a pull of the crown and reset the time with absolute precision.
Thanks to 21st century machining, it was also possible for Omega’s engineers to subtly reshape the teeth of the wheels, which allowed for tighter contacts and smoother running.
As a tribute to the 1861, the new movement’s frequency remained the same (21,600 A/h).
However, the jewel tally was increased from 18 to 26, as eight extra jewels were needed for the upgrade. Half of them to ensure the smooth running of the which had replaced the more traditional Swiss Anchor escapement and four more for general technical improvements.
Another significant change was the complete removal of the frequency regulator. As a moving part, the tiny lever added to the risk of accidental frequency shifts, so the decision was made to do without it. On the new Calibre 3861, this was replaced by four adjustable screws on the balance wheel.
Thanks to the inclusion of Omega’s Co-Axial escapement and silicon Si14 balance spring, the Calibre 3861 offers extraordinary levels of magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and is able to pass the industry’s toughest tests and achieve Master Chronometer certification.
Price: 9600 CHF / 9500 EUR (both incl. VAT)
