A Fitting Tribute - Speedmaster Apollo XVII Anniversary Edition

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary Edition is a sight to behold. The release is a tribute to Eugene Cernan better known as Gene Cernan, the last man to step onto the moon in 1972 onboard the Apollo XVII flight.

The historic Speedy has always been associated with the moon landing and nicknamed the Moonwatch. Google Moonwatch and Speedy and the images of the Speedmaster Pro will turn up. This year at Baselworld 2017, Omega unveiled the tribute piece to Gene Cernan, appropriately named Speedmaster Apollo XVII Anniversary Edition. Featured here is the steel version reference 311.30.42.30.03.001 coming with a solid steel bracelet and limited to 1972 pieces - the year Gene Cernan made the last drop in on the moon.

This is not the first blue dial Speedmaster Pro but this blue is different. Perhaps it has got something to do with the ceramic dial - made of Zirconium Dioxide aka Zirconia. Ceramic is a contemporary material that Omega uses, especially in recent Moonwatches, that adds aesthetic value. Similarly, the Ceragold used in the blue bezel is also a patented technology belonging to Omega.

A closer examination of the dial reveals the chemical symbol ZrO2 which is the symbol for Zirconium Dioxide. Zirconium Dioxide is a kind of ceramic material and in this case, is used on the Anniversary piece. The ceramic dial together with the gold combination of the markers, hands and sub-dial rims lend a touch of class to the otherwise sporty timepiece. What is also evident is featuring a racing-style minute track as opposed to the "normal" minute markers found in other Speedies. The racing-style minute track was introduced in the 1996 version of the automatic Speedy launched in conjunction with Michael Schumacher who was then the new brand ambassador.

And what about the red font 05:34 GMT you might ask? Well that was supposed to be the time Gene Cernan stepped on the moon for man's last lunar walk. And notice how reflective the dial is - and I can tell you, the blue on the dial is so hard to capture. My photographs do no justice to the beauty of the blue ceramic dial. As for the use of the blue ceramic, this is one of many new materials used by Omega to enhance the overall quality of its timepieces.

Another closer look at the time 05:34 GMT. A nice vermilion hue.

On to the logo at 9 o'clock - that is the patch of the Apollo 17 which is the same patch found on the Apollo 17 Limited Edition released in 2012. The etching is brilliantly done on this one - something only a ceramic dial can achieve with precision electroforming (gold) manufacturing technology.

The gold hands are as one would expect of Omega. Nicely done to blend well with the timepiece. But did you notice that the two hands on the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock subdials are white in colour while the one at 9 o'clock is gold? Bet you didn't notice it at first glance...

Next, the applied gold markers. The tip of the marker is coated with white Superluminova coating. The blue bezel is also interesting - it uses Ceragold for the tachymeter scale.

Housed in the Moonwatch is the Lemania based Calibre 1861. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a picture of the case back but the solid steel case back is exact replica to the dial of the Apollo 17 patch.

While the steel version comes in a limited quantity of 1972 piece, the original gold version of this timepiece was limited to 72 pieces. So good was the response to the launch that Omega decided after BaselWorld to increase that to 272 pieces much to the disdain of early adopters.

My take on the Speedmaster Apollo XVII Anniversary Edition - this is a winner and if you are a Speedy fan, I suggest you already reserve one for yourself. I believe it will be sold out pretty quickly if not already.

This year (2017), Omega celebrates 60 years of the Speedmaster Pro. To track the milestone of the evolution of the Moonwatch, check out the Omega website dedicated to all the iterations of the icon.

P.S. - After having a conversation with Gregory Kissling, Head of Product Management, I stand corrected to the significance of the time 05:34 GMT - that was the time Gene Cernan took the last step on the moon, not the first. How Omega had come about this timing was through the help of NASA and scouring the transcripts of the conversation between Gene and Houston Mission Control. So now I know the truth!

Close Up with the Speedy Tuesday

The Moonwatch or the Speedmaster Professional is well known also as Speedy. At some point in time, someone coined the term Speedy Tuesday and the nickname has since been used the world over.

Speedy Tuesday caused quite a stir in the world of horology. For one, no watch has been sold by a major brand directly online in a "first-com-first-serve" manner. When the folks at Omega launched Speedy Tuesday, little did they expect it to be such a hit - I believe it was sold within 24 hours of the launch.

This Speedy Tuesday takes its roots from the Speedmaster Alaska III model. While the original version has an all black dial, the new release features a two tone dial - a black dial with white sub-dials - what is also known as the "Reverse Panda".

Handsome, me thinks! Somehow, the Speedy Tuesday evokes that vintage feel - new yet old. And if you compare the Omega logo underneath the 12 marker, the thicker logo is reminiscent of the earlier year Speedies.

The radial sub-dial is another feature not found on the regular Speedmaster Pro series and lends a nice touch to the Speedy Tuesday.

But what is evident is the Omega logo underneath the domed hesalite crystal - that "secret" emblem of the Speedmaster Pro series.

Similar Omega logo on the "regular" Speedmaster Pro and also the black dial and sub-dials.

The solid case back is different from the regular piece - clearly making a statement to Speedy Tuesday and the links to the Speedmaster Project Alaska III. Shown here is the prototype piece making its rounds. Notice the word RADIAL on the case back of the Speedy Tuesday - the reason for this is because of the radial sub-dials in the Alaska III timepiece. Omega had made some modifications after consultation with NASA astronauts and the result was the radial sub-dial. The radial sub-dial improved legibility and it ensured an easier and more accurate way of reading the chronograph's elapsed timing results.

The release of the Speedy Tuesday was limited to 2012 examples and are all accounted for. The timepiece comes with two straps - a brown vintage leather strap and a back and white NATO strap. Many of us are on the wait list but I am sure for those who managed to snag a piece, they won't let go. But pray someone do give it up... I'm waiting!

Watchnuts Getting Together at Bistro 1855

It has been awhile since we all got together for our get together. For the first time in 2016, us watch nuts managed to find time to meet and share.

This time around, we chose Bistro 1855 which is conveniently located at Suntec City. Owner of Bistro 1855, Patrick Sng gave us a "special" - buffet spread with free flow of beverages. As usual, I arrived earlier on to ensure the arrangements are all in order... early birds coming to help me here.

This time around, the theme was around "New Purchases" and "Non Steel or Gold" timepieces. This means we all have to be double wristed. First highlight of the evening was a "mini" Speedy gathering - 5 Speedmaster Pro and only one "original". The Snoopy Silver Award Limited Edition, the "original" Snoopy Apollo 10, another Special Edition From The Moon To Mars and then there is the original Speedmaster Pro.

It is usual for us to start with the food.

And the beverage...

Lots of chatting and sharing over everything under the sun... New purchases, special pieces etc. Amongst the early birds were owners of two Lange timepieces - an earlier Saxonia in platinum and the 1815 Saxomat in plat too. What a beautiful pair!

And the case back of the 1815 Saxomat...

Another special piece is the Made In Japan Seiko Nano Universe which is only available in Japan. Minimalist in their design, this belongs to a friend who frequents Japan a lot. Seiko did this in collaboration with the fashion brand Nano Universe.

Then there is the Ronin watch - another simple Pilot inspired piece.

Then of course there was the newest timepiece of the evening - The Seiko Prospex SRPA21K1 Diver's timepiece. The Pepsi Turtle was literally "hours old". Fresh from the AD.

We have our dinner and drinks and soon enough, it was display time! Hermes, De Bethune, Movas, Jaeger LeCoultre, Ronin, Seiko... many brands and very different price points.

Centre table and it gets more crowded... what can you spot on the table? Two very interesting Chronographs on the table. Both very iconic for their respective brands.

And at the end of the table the Speedies gather...

The nice thing about such gatherings is that you get to see and feel pieces you did not previously know about and is totally off your own radar. Take for instance this Rado DiaMaster. I normally associate this owner with higher end pieces but what intrigued him was the Ultra-light high-tech ceramic case of this piece and the black finishing on the back which features a UNITAS handwound movement.

These days, Bronze is the new steel... Dietrich, Heroic18, Movas, Oris, REC and Tudor. One is so new that the plastic wrap is still on!

And a few interesting piece like the RAW 2 from local brand Movas.

And another bronze piece from Movas - the Bronze Officer.

A beautifully guilloche De Bethune DB5.

The Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition which features a multi-piece bronze case. Limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide, it has been sold out since its launch.

And the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity with their off-centre dial and visually arresting escapement on the front. Not only is it in front, the escapement is also made of silicon.

And you don't often see this combination in the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Rose gold and Tantalum and in 36mm size.

And all too soon it was 11pm! Too many timepieces and too little time to shoot them all. Many thanks to the staff of Bistro 1855 who were very accommodating and Patrick for making special arrangements for us. And thanks to all who showed up. Looking forward to having another GTG soon. Independent watchmakers perhaps?

Snoopy Attitude - Failure Is Not An Option!

Few people actually know the connection between Snoopy, NASA and the Omega Watch Company.

The manufacture Omega unveiled in Baselworld 2015 the new Snoopy Speedmaster Professional to mark the 45th Anniversary of Apollo 13. As you may recall, that mission was in jeopardy when the oxygen tank exploded and the mission to land on the Moon was aborted. But what was more important was how to get the astronauts back to Earth safely.

One of the critical operations was to reposition the module for reentry into Earth's atmosphere. As they needed to conserve power, the only timing equipment that was still working was the timepiece the astronauts were wearing. What they needed to do was to time that critical operation - 14 seconds. Any more or less and this would have led to an incorrect entry angle of the module and that would have meant the module might not return to Earth.

Anyway, as the we all know now, the crew of Apollo 13 made it safely back to Earth. Thanks much to the wristwatch they had a timing mechanism at hand! And because of that, Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award which is awarded to individuals or companies that contribute to the safety of NASA's space missions.

In the latest iteration, Omega renamed the the timepiece Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award. More about the Silver Snoopy Award later.

Instead of the regular black dial, Omega chose the white dial. And on it, two very important inscriptions - "Failure Is Not An Option" and "What Could You Do in 14 Seconds?". Notice the white hands on the 9 o'clock sub-dial?

Another special feature of this Snoopy timepiece is the Super Luminova effects on the dial and bezel. The markers are made of Super Luminova and have a black varnish centre. To the naked eyes, nothing special.

But going into low light conditions, you will discover the special feature. Not only does the markers glow green, even the bezel glows green too.

The Super (Luminova) Snoopy is painted on the sub-dial at the 9 o'clock position and like the markers has a great glow in the dark.

An intriguing piece of information on the inscription. In the Apollo 13 movie in 1995, Ed Harris played the role of the NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz and this was what he said in one of his famous conversation - "We've never lost an American in space, we're sure as hell not gonna lose one on my watch! Failure is not an option."

A more well known inscription - What Could You Do In 14 Seconds, is found between the one to fourteen seconds. This refers to the critical operations of firing one of the engines and turning it off exactly 14 seconds into the blast so that the module is positioned correctly for the reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Here you can see the inscription starting at one second mark extending to the fourteen seconds mark.

On the caseback is another solid case but with a special feature. The caseback features a silver Snoopy in a space suit carrying a portable air conditioning unit. This is the same image of Snoopy that is found on the Silver Snoopy Award pin. The award given to both individuals and companies that have contributed to space travel safety is a sterling silver lapel pin that has actually flown during a NASA mission.

On closer inspection, one can see the dark blue enamel background of the case and the sprinkling of silver powder giving the impression Snoopy is floating in space.

The other unusual feature is the use of a anti-resistant crystal sapphire instead of the usual Hesalite crystal. The strap is black nylon fabric with white stitching.

This is, however, not the first Snoopy Omega Speedmaster Pro. Back in 2003, there was the first version of the Snoopy Speedmaster Pro which I had blogged about earlier.

Two very different Snoopy Speedmaster Pro but both coming as a result of their place in the history of space exploration, the Moon landing and Apollo XIII.

What's With Snoopy and the Omega Speedmaster Pro

Did you know that the Apollo 10 Lunar Module was named Snoopy and the Command Module named Charlie Brown?

The most famous beagle, Snoopy is the icon of quality and safety in NASA's space program and that comes in the form of a sterling silver pin with an engraving of Snoopy in a spacesuit helmet. The Silver Snoopy is presented by an astronaut to individuals and companies who works in the space program that has gone above and beyond in pursuit of quality and safety. The pin depicts Snoopy in a space suit with a space helmet on.

The Snoopy comic strip has a strong following and at the time of the launching of the Apollo 10 mission, the crew had named the Lunar Module Snoopy and the Command Module Charlie Brown. So there you are for the link between Snoopy, NASA and Omega Watch Company.

What is important to note is how the Speedmaster Pro helped in the failed Apollo 13 mission. During the mission the oxygen tank exploded and crippled the module. Because of the explosion, the crew needed to turn off all non-essential equipment in order to conserve energy in the Command Module to prepare their re-orbit into earth's atmosphere. The only timing device they have was the Omega Speedmaster Pro.

The crew had two critical operations that relied solely on the chronograph function of the Speedmaster Pro. Firstly to time ignition of the rockets to shorten the estimated length of the return to Earth and secondly to time ignition of the rockets to decrease speed and raise the flight path angle for re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. For the mid-course correction, the rocket had to fire for 14 seconds... any more or any less and the re-entry into earth's orbit would have failed and the entry vehicle would have missed the trajectory into earth - meaning to say Apollo 13 would never have returned to earth. We now know that the operation worked and Apollo 13 landed safely back to earth.

A happy looking Snoopy on the 9 o'clock sub dial with the motto "Eyes on the Stars".

And if you didn't already know, there is an Omega logo underneath the Hesalite crystal.

This is a solid case back timepiece with the painted Snoopy and the motto again. Underneath the cover is the Calibre 1861 manual winding (Lemania base) column wheel chronograph. Provides 45 hours of power reserve. It is said another reason why a manual winding timepiece was chosen is that in space, the vacuum and the absence of gravity affects the automatic winding mechanism.

This version of the Speedmaster Pro was launched in 2003 and comes as a Limited Edition of 5441 pieces. Why such an odd number 5441? Well, it reflects the elapsed time of the Apollo 13 mission: 142 hours, 54 minutes and 41 seconds.

Lovely Snoopy Speedmaster Pro and thanks to my good friend Joe for allowing me to shoot this piece.