Okay, so today I wanted to mess around with my OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. You know, the one with the see-through back? I’ve always been fascinated by how these things tick, and I thought, “Why not try to get a closer look?”
First off, I did some digging online. I mean, I didn’t want to just start unscrewing things without knowing what I was doing. I learned that this particular model is kind of a big deal. It’s like the modern version of the watch astronauts wore on the moon. Pretty cool, right? This one I have has this clear back, which is not standard. Some people call it a display case back. Apparently, it lets you see the Caliber 1861 movement inside, which is based on some old-school Lemania 1873 design.
I also found out that there are different versions of this watch. Mine has a sapphire crystal, which is super tough, and this clear back. Others have something called a Hesalite crystal, which is more traditional but I guess scratches easier. Those usually have a solid back, and they look a bit different, with a matte finish on the bracelet links.
Anyway, I carefully set up my workspace. Got my tools ready, which are not much, just some basic stuff. I made sure I had a soft cloth to lay the watch on. Didn’t want to scratch it up, especially since I read these Speedmasters hold their value pretty well. I found out that my watch is the 311.30.42.30.01.006 model, which is one of the ones with the display case back.
Looking at the back, I could see all these tiny gears and springs moving around. It’s mesmerizing! I spent a good while just watching the movement do its thing. It’s amazing how all those tiny parts work together to keep time.
I didn’t actually take anything apart, by the way. I just wanted to admire the craftsmanship. I also learned that the original Moonwatch had a manual-wind movement and a black dial, and the design hasn’t changed much over the years. And get this, there’s a smaller version called the Speedmaster Reduced, which is 39mm instead of the 42mm like mine.
Some bullet points from my little adventure today:
- Got Handsy: I finally got up close and personal with my see-through Moonwatch.
- Read Up: Did some homework so I wouldn’t mess anything up. It’s a pretty special watch!
- Window Watching: Spent a lot of time just staring at the gears and stuff through the clear back.
- No Disassembly Required: Didn’t take it apart, just admired the view.
- Learned Some Stuff: Found out about different versions, sizes, and the history of these watches.
So yeah, that was my day. Just geeking out over my watch. It’s one thing to wear it, but it’s another to really appreciate what’s going on inside. I’m even more impressed with it now than I was before. Definitely worth the time, and I’m happy I didn’t break anything!
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