The Omega Speedmaster Mark II debuted in 1969 as a counterpart to the Speedmaster Moonwatch.  Designed with a tonneau-shaped case and utilizing the Caliber 861 movement, the MKII was based on a prototype designed for NASA engineers who requested a model that could withstand the extreme heat and cold environments on the moon.  Known as the Alaska project, NASA eventually decided to continue with the Speedmaster Professional, and the Alaska project was put to rest.  

The History:  The Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 as a sport and racing chronograph, complementing Omega’s position as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games.  Its iconic place in history stems from its utilization by NASA for the Gemini Titan III crews and eventually by the astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission, which made it the first watch to be worn on the moon.  

The Watch:  The Omega Speedmaster Mark II Ref 145.014 features a 42mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with a flat mineral crystal.  The tachymeter scale sits underneath the crystal at the outer edge of the dial.  The matte black dial features the same classic Speedmaster professional layout, with the addition of “Mark II” on the text.  Powered by the manual wind Caliber 861 movement, the Mark II has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.