FOLLOWER REVIEW: Tom’s Omega Speedmaster Automatic

Felix Scholz

Name: Tom

Watch: Omega Speedmaster Automatic

What’s the story behind your Omega Speedmaster? 

Growing up in Poland behind the iron curtain I was very aware of the space race and we were all very keen for the West to beat the Russians who were occupying our country. I had all kinds of books on the Apollo and Space shuttle missions where the Omega Speedmaster featured as NASA’s official watch for its astronauts on the Apollo moon missions. I always wanted one. I was particularly attracted to the story of it being chosen by NASA for its durability & accuracy. When it came time to buy one I skipped the original Professional version and chose the later, smaller automatic Speedmaster. The movement & price were a factor.

When – did you get this watch?

I bought the watch around 2003 shortly after registering as a psychologist and getting my first ‘proper’ job. Now I needed a decent watch! I naturally started to research the Speedmasters and chose my model. The watch I purchased was from 1990. I bought it from an American watch dealer. Being from 1990 it was an early example of its model.

Where – has this watch been?

I don’t know much about the history of this watch before I purchased it, but it was obviously in the USA before getting to me. Since it’s been in my care it has been to a lot of places. I travel extensively and wear it practically all the time.

Why – do you love this watch?

I love the connection to the space race & cold war. I love the minimalistic design. It has also been incredibly reliable – I have serviced it twice in the last 10 years and this was not due to any issues. I enjoy having the stopwatch function right there on my wrist. While you can set up a timer on your phone etc, with this watch you just press a button and you can time parking meters or cooking times. I found that unless you have a perpetual calendar the date function can be a hassle so I like not having it. It’s easy to look up a date anywhere these days, so I like just having time and a stopwatch on my watch. I love the automatic movement. The watch needs me to work which connects me to it. I wear it all the time so it never needs to be set and if I skip a day the reserve keeps it running till the next day or so… although a longer reserve would be useful at times.

What does this watch say about who you are?

This Omega has a simple utilitarian elegance and it easily fits formal or casual settings, just like me. I enjoy sports and have a varied lifestyle and a quality robust watch fits with that. I guess the watch says that I enjoy quality but don’t need to shout about it. It’s my only watch so there is an aspect of loyalty as well.

If you could buy any watch tomorrow what would it be, and why?

I have a soft spot for Patek Philippe, so if there was a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket perhaps an old Calatrava or something complicated would do the trick. The founder of the company was from my country so there is an emotional connection and I just love the timelessness of their designs.