Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Sapphire calibre 1863 42 mm

The Story

A true watchmaking legend, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch entered history on July 21, 1969, when it accompanied Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during mankind’s first steps on the Moon. The only watch officially certified by NASA for all manned space missions, the Speedmaster built a unique reputation, beyond watchmaking, as a symbol of conquest, precision and robustness.

For more than sixty years, this icon has remained faithful to its original design, while evolving through subtle refinements. The so-called “Sapphire” version, identifiable by its transparent sapphire caseback, allows enthusiasts to admire the legendary hand-wound mechanical movement inside. It thus embodies the dual nature of the Speedmaster: a professional tool built for extremes, and a fine timepiece celebrating mechanical beauty.

The Model

The Sapphire Sandwich first appeared in 1996 with reference 3573.50.00, the first Speedmaster Professional (unnumbered and unlimited) to combine a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal at the front with a transparent caseback at the rear, allowing the hand-wound movement to be admired. This configuration responded to the expectations of a contemporary clientele looking for a more modern and practical timepiece than the traditional Hesalite version.

In 2014, Omega standardized its reference system and renamed it 311.30.42.30.01.006, without any technical or aesthetic changes. The watch remained identical, continuing the career of the 3573.50 until January 2021, when it was replaced by the new generation of Speedmaster Professionals certified Master Chronometer and powered by the Co-Axial 3861 caliber.

Compared with the Hesalite version (311.30.42.30.01.005), true descendant of the watches worn on the Moon, the Sapphire Sandwich stands out as a modern alternative: more resistant to scratches and, above all, capable of revealing the beauty of the caliber 1863.

From an aesthetic standpoint, it retains all the timeless codes of the Moonwatch: a 42 mm asymmetrical stainless steel case, black aluminum tachymeter bezel, matte black dial with three sub-dials (small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30 minutes at 3 o’clock, 12 hours at 6 o’clock), rhodium-plated baton hands and luminescent indexes. Fitted with a polished and brushed steel bracelet and an Omega folding clasp, it perfectly illustrates the timelessness of the Speedmaster.

By its evocative nickname of “Sapphire Sandwich,” this reference encapsulates the duality of the Speedmaster: a space instrument on the one hand, and a fascinating horological object on the other, thanks to the transparency offered on its legendary caliber.

The Caliber

The Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional ref. 3573.50 is powered by the Omega caliber 1863, a hand-wound mechanical movement that perpetuates the tradition of the Moonwatch. Directly derived from the caliber 1861, it maintains the same technical architecture, but stands out for its refined finishing, specifically designed to be admired through the sapphire caseback: rhodium-plated bridges, satin-brushed screws and detailed decorations.

Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), this movement offers a 48-hour power reserve. Its chronograph mechanism operates via a cam system, a guarantee of robustness and long-term reliability.

Descended from the legendary Lemania 1873, the caliber 1863 embodies a unique balance between history, reliability and aesthetics.

The Package

This Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Sapphire Sandwich ref. 3573.50.00, produced around the early 2000s, comes with its original red Omega box, a hallmark of the brand’s presentations at the time.

In 2025, it underwent a complete service at Omega, including a full overhaul and thorough control of its movement and water resistance. Following this intervention, the watch is covered by a 2-year international warranty issued by the Manufacture, providing peace of mind and confidence for its future owner.

Note: the sapphire crystal shows two light scratches, discreet to the naked eye and without impact on readability or the integrity of the watch.

Offered in remarkable condition, this Speedmaster combines the charm of a historic piece with the reassurance of recent servicing, ready to continue its journey on the wrist of its new owner.