Omega in space –“There is not a single child who does not dream of being astronaut”
In 2025, Omega celebrated the 60th anniversary of the approval of the speedmaster by NASA. The start of his great space adventure. His CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann, confided in this heritage.
Posted Today at 3:54 p.m.
The Certificate of Homologation by NASA of the Speedmaster of Omega in
NASA
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In 1965, the Speedmaster of Omega was decreed “first watch approved for all space missions” by NASA. A first step which will lead the famous chronograph on the Moon in 1969 and which will forever link the brand to the great adventure of space conquest. To succeed in such a performance, the speedmaster had to resist the many tests from the American space agency. For history, four brands had responded at the time of NASA call, but only one managed to face all the requirements.
Resistance to shocks, pressure, high and low temperatures … The chronograph was subjected to the test. In the end, the engineer in charge of the selection, James Ragan, said he was “surprised that a watch could succeed in these tests. The most extreme that one could undergo a device. ” In front of the international press gathered for the occasion at the headquarters of Bienne, the Omega CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann, confided in this heritage.
Raynald Aeschlimnn, CEO D’Omega.
Omega
Speedmaster’s 321 caliber, characteristic of the Moonwatch, returned to the range five years ago. Do you plan to offer us a new one soon?
With the 321 caliber, we have created the next generation of movements. So yes, we have some ideas of new animations that we would like to make around. But in terms of 321, there will be no new one, because there is no other movement so emblematic and fundamental.
The speedmaster was not originally created to go to space. It was a watch for mechanical sports. What do you think would be the legacy of the speedmaster if Omega had never sent it to NASA to test it?
When I started with Omega, over thirty years ago, I fell in love with the history of Omega and the Moon. But this watch was created for motor racing. I think it made it possible to create a perfect chronograph. And the emblematic design of Speedmaster would have necessarily been there.
-Omega Speedmaster Professional.
Omega
You like to talk about heritage. It is obvious that the history of the space conquest is immense, but we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the approval of the speedmaster by NASA. At some point, do you fear that young people no longer feel concerned by this adventure?
If you speak with Charlie Duke or any other astronaut having participated in this space adventure, they will transform your life and you remember why you are a fan of this story. But today, Charlie Duke is almost 90 years old. Unfortunately, all these heroes will have left one day. But if you look at the recent evolution of the space conquest, there has never been so much interest in this area. What I believe is that there is a natural attraction for this story and space. People talk about it because they are inspired by those who participate in their exploration. Today as tomorrow, there is not a single child who does not dream of being an astronaut.
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To avoid any weariness, you will have to make sure you are next trip to the moon …
One day, someone will return to the moon. This project will mobilize a lot of money and will have to be at the center of the agenda of a country, as for Mr. Kennedy at the time. But we must not forget the passion which is the engine of these exploits. If each centimeter of the mission turns to the commercial operation, the emotion will be very different. I like the idea that those who undertake this trip know our history and our commitment to the space conquest. This is why it is important to celebrate and come back to these highlights.
Omega Speedmaster Professional.
Omega
One last question, on the market. How does Omega intend to face the new difficulties?
I think the America’s Cup – of which Omega is the official partner – corresponds exactly to what we are experiencing today. It is a difficult ocean, with a lot of waves, a lot of wind. It is therefore a question of how to monitor properly and navigate in the best possible way during this period. I don’t call it a moment of a big storm. It’s just that we are there and we have to make sure that consumers are interested. We are talking about inspiring watches here, inspiring products, which arouse a particular feeling in people.
Frédéric Thomasset is editor -in -chief of the Bilan magazine, which he joined in 2021, and responsible for Bilan.ch. Previously, he worked for ten years as a journalist in the editorial staff of the Genève Tribune. It readily covers the entrepreneurial world, the trading community or all the challenges relating to business life.More info
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