Omega Speedmaster "Grail" a stylish, practical but rare watch

I've long been an admirer of the Omega Speedmaster, as discussed here. Its robust good looks and history as the only wristwatch worn on the Moon gives it a unique place in wristwatch history.

Various versions of the Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch"

However, there is a rare Speedmaster which even the most hardened Moonwatch owner would give his (it's usually a man) right arm for. Known as the "Grail" it's superficially similar to the conventional Speedy, but, unlike this watch, which has a manual wind movement, the "Grail" has an automatic Lemania 5100 movement which is renowned for its strength and for the clarity of its dial. As a practical and legible chronograph (a watch which has additional buttons controlling the second hand, giving it a stopwatch function) it has no equal - it has a date, which the Moonwatch doesn't. It's also extremely rare, thus guaranteeing its popularity with obsessive wristwatch collectors, even though the quality if its movement is not as high as that of the Moonwatch.

I am very grateful to "Chinnock" from TZ-UK for allowing me to use copies of the pictures he took of a "Grail" Speedmaster which show the attractive and functional nature of this watch.

Vintage wrist watches - Omega Speedmaster - history and technology

My love of watches was sparked in the early seventies when, as a schoolboy, I had a few weeks work experience at a lawyer's offices.  One of the people I worked with wore an Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph.  I recall his showing it to me and telling me how this model was worn by astronauts on the Apollo programme.

Grey Fox photo

An Omega Speedmaster played a vital role in timing the re-entry engine burn that enabled Apollo XIII to return safely to Earth after the near-fatal explosion on board.  The Speedmaster was also the only watch worn on the surface of the Moon.  It has been used in space from the mid-sixties through to the days of the Space Shuttle.

It was many years before I owned by own Speedmaster.  I have owned, worn and sold several , but my favourite is a 1968 model identical to that worn by the Apollo astronauts.  As with other aspects of my taste in clothes and possessions  (see for example my Nigel Cabourn Tenzing jacket), the history and tradition represented by an object plays a major part in my choosing it.  The Speedmaster is a lovely watch and is a genuine tool watch - robust and beautifully made.

Photo courtesy of Ming

Spot the Speedmasters in these photos below (courtesy of NASA and the Russian Space programme).

Neil Armstrong wears a Speedmaster during training

On the Moon