OMEGA hosted a special event in New York City alongside the astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the first Moon landing. The occasion was a chance to honor the enduring legacy of the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional, which became the first watch worn on the lunar surface in 1969.
Known as the Axiom Space Chief Astronaut, Michael Lopez-Alegria was welcomed to OMEGA’s SoHo boutique for the intimate evening, which featured a compelling conversation reflecting on his distinguished career while exploring the future of space exploration and the importance of precision timekeeping beyond Earth.
Throughout the event, guests were able to hear about the Speedmaster watches worn by Michael Lopez-Alegria during his space missions, while also discovering a showcase of OMEGA’s latest novelties.
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, says, “The Apollo 11 landing is the defining example of the Speedmaster’s pioneering spirit, reliability, and robust design. It was such a significant moment for humanity, but also for OMEGA, and it’s amazing to think that our legacy in space continues to grow today, as the latest generation of astronauts take our timepieces on their missions.”
OMEGA’s official achievements in space began in 1965. After 11 rigorous tests, NASA qualified the Speedmaster as the only watch approved for all crewed space missions and Extravehicular Activity (EVA). In fact, the OMEGA timepiece emerged as the only chronograph to withstand the extraordinary series of environmental examinations, including extreme temperatures, vacuum, shock, vibration, and acceleration.
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts became the first humans to walk on the Moon. Worn as part of each astronaut’s mission equipment, the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional earned its place in history that day and established its iconic “Moonwatch” name. From that historic moment onward, the Speedmaster accompanied astronauts on every crewed Moon landing, securing its reputation as a pioneer of space exploration.
Still today, NASA astronauts are officially issued with the OMEGA Speedmaster X-33, while the Moonwatch retains its qualification for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) use.
To learn more about Michael López-Alegría, the Chief Astronaut of Axiom, please click HERE.
Images courtesy of OMEGA
