On July 21, 1969, men were able to look at Earth from the Moon for the first time. 53 years ago, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission brought space exploration to a new level. Neil Armstrong, the mission commander, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin will set foot on lunar soil, while Michael Collins will remain in lunar orbit on the Command and Service Module. On their right wrist, their gifted watch, the Omega Speedmaster, thus earning its nickname, the Moonwatch. A faithful companion for the Apollo 11 to Apollo 17 missions, the reliable and accurate caliber 321, parts of which can be admired today in space at the NASA Museum in Houston.
At 2:56 a.m. on July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped out of the Eagle capsule, becoming the first person to set foot on another world’s soil. Buzz Aldrin did the same fifteen minutes later, and the Speedmaster Professional became the first watch worn on the surface of the Moon. On the anniversary of the first moon landing, Omega presented Buzz Aldrin with a replica Speedmaster 321 (Ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001), which houses the legendary caliber that powered all Speedmasters ever worn on the moon. It will also be an opportunity to immortalize the legendary astronaut, more than half a century after his historic feat.
A total of twenty-four astronauts made the journey to the Moon, and only twelve of them set foot there. While the Artemis program aims to send humans back to the Moon for the first time since the 1970s, a new generation of astronauts, but also astronauts (such as Thomas Pesquet) may tomorrow set foot on our satellite, the last generation. Omega Speedmaster on the wrist.
Source: Le Figaro
