Nearly seven decades after the first Speedmaster was introduced, OMEGA turned its boutique at Doha Festival City into a journey through time, inviting guests to trace the story of a watch that travelled from the racetrack to the surface of the Moon, and to be among the first in Qatar to see where that story goes next.
From Motorsport to the Moon
Launched in 1957 as a chronograph built for speed and precision, the Speedmaster found its defining purpose beyond Earth. In 1965, it was selected by NASA as qualified for all manned space missions, and in 1969 it became the first watch worn on the Moon, on the wrist of an Apollo 11 astronaut. Its role in guiding Apollo 13’s crew safely home, earned OMEGA NASA’s Snoopy Award and cemented the watch’s place in the history of space exploration. Ever since, the Speedmaster and the story of humanity’s journey into space have been inseparable, each shaping the legacy of the other.
That shared legacy was the heart of the evening in Doha. An immersive exhibition guided guests through the Speedmaster’s milestones, with landmark models from across its history displayed side by side, so visitors could see how case architecture, dial design and details have been refined over the decades while the watch’s spirit has stayed constant.
Legacy Meets Innovation
The exhibition set the scene for the moment that brought the past and the future together. Unveiled for the first time to guests in Qatar, the updated Speedmaster 38 mm collection, comprising seven new references, shows how OMEGA continues to build on its heritage without standing still.
The new watches draw the 38 mm line closer than ever to the Moonwatch that inspired it. Rounded subdials replace the previous oval design for a sportier look, while a cleaner dial with less text feels modern and uncluttered. A thicker bezel carries the Dot-Over-Ninety mark long associated with the Moonwatch, and the classic five-link bracelet, with polished and brushed central links depending on the reference, completes the look. Inside, self-winding Co-Axial movements power the collection: the Calibre 3330 in the six references with a date display, and the Calibre 3332 in the black-dial reference without one.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, said:
“The Speedmaster 38 mm has always taken its cues from the Moonwatch, while keeping size, colour, and simplicity in mind. With this latest update, we’ve taken the Moonwatch inspiration even further, enriching the Speedmaster DNA while retaining the refined nature that the 38 mm range is known for.”
Qatar: An Important Market for OMEGA
Hosting the event in Doha underlines the importance of Qatar to OMEGA. Qatar is home to a knowledgeable and discerning community of watch collectors and enthusiasts, and it is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the Gulf.
With its heritage in exploration, precision and ambition, the Speedmaster resonates with a market that values craftsmanship with a story behind it. By bringing the exhibition and a regional first look at the new 38 mm collection to Qatar, OMEGA reaffirms its long-term commitment to its clients in the country.
The event forms part of OMEGA’s ongoing celebration of the Speedmaster, a watch that has always looked to the horizon, and one that continues to show how legacy and innovation can move forward together.
