Buying Time During a Pandemic: Omega Speedmaster
In March 2020, the world faced a crisis. Time felt strange, both dragging on and slipping away. A virus outbreak had halted everything, leaving people struggling. Amid this, I did something seemingly selfish—I bought a watch.
Watches have always fascinated me. The intricate gears and cogs, the essence of time—something I both understand and don't. From a Swatch in my youth to a dressy Casio in adolescence, my watch journey evolved. Skipping entry-level choices, I dove into the world of Tudor Black Bay when I started working.
Fast forward 51 years since the Speedmaster's journey to the moon. This iconic watch triumphed over numerous contenders, including Rolex, to become the chosen timepiece for the Apollo 11 space crew. Rigorous testing, such as extreme temperature and shock tests, validated its worthiness. Even today, it remains the sole watch certified by NASA for Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA).
Amidst a rising sense of unease, I spent an ungodly amount of time on the internet researching this watch. A year’s worth of savings and a gentle nudge from my wife led me to take the plunge in May that year. With that, I secured a long-discontinued 145.022, a watch I'd longed for since watching Apollo 13 in 2016.
Two days later, it arrived— a watch from my birth year, a 'grail' watch. Perfectly sized by Chris of Harmony Jewellers in Grimsby, I reveled in it, sharing wrist photos on horology forums. The Speedmaster, like the Porsche 911 of watches, boasts timeless design and durability.
Its calibre 861 movement, dial details, and aged markers tell a story. Oftentimes, I wonder about the previous owners of this watch. Engraved with "FLIGHT QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL SPACE MISSIONS, THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON," on the caseback, it couldn’t be any more perfect. I glance at it often, finding joy in its superficial display. Practical for everyday use, from timing readings to oven tasks, it's favored by astronauts, doctors, and race car drivers.
As I wear this nearly 30-year-old timepiece, I know it will outlive me. A watch I plan to pass down—a timeless piece in a world where time itself seemed to stand still.
