Alright, so I’ve been wanting to get my hands on this specific Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the one with the open case back. You know, the kind where you can see all the intricate workings inside. It’s just so cool, right? So, I started this little project to find one and document the whole shebang.
First off, I had to figure out where to even buy one of these beauties. I mean, they’re not just lying around in any old watch shop. Turns out, you gotta go to these special Omega boutiques. Fancy, huh? Or, if you’re more of an online shopper, there are some authorized dealers that carry them. But be careful, you don’t want to end up with a fake, do you?
The Hunt Begins
- Visited a couple of local Omega boutiques.
- Browsed some online stores, but was a bit hesitant.
- Checked out some forums and discussion boards for tips and recommendations.
After doing some digging, I found a boutique that had the exact model I was looking for. It’s inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style, the one that was actually worn on the moon! How awesome is that? It’s got this asymmetrical case that’s just really sleek, and a black ceramic bezel ring that adds a nice touch.
Now, here’s where it gets a bit technical. This Moonwatch has a manual winding movement. That means you gotta wind it up yourself, just like the old days. Some of the newer Speedmasters have automatic movements, and they usually come with a sapphire crystal. This one, though, has that classic hesalite crystal, like the original. I actually found that most modern ones do have a sapphire crystal.
I also learned that the original case back on these Pre-Pro Speedmasters, with the reference numbers CK2915 and CK2998, looks different. The open case back is something that a lot of people, including me, like to add as a modification, and there are some good alternatives out there, like the one from Thomas Preik. I did buy a couple to see, they fit perfectly. They will fit all Speedmasters.
Opening the Case Back (Carefully!)
- Gathered the right tools, including a three-pronged opener.
- Took a deep breath and started unscrewing the case back.
- Success! The case back was off, and the movement was in full view.
One thing I was super careful about was not to scratch or damage the case back when I was opening it. I read online that a gouge on the case back can totally ruin the whole experience, so I made sure to use the right tool, a three-pronged opener, and took my time. I saw some forums talking about mods and I was so excited!
And there it was, the beautiful movement ticking away. It was like looking into the heart of the watch. Totally worth all the effort. It’s manual winding which means I can see the details of how it works. Also, the best-known and longest-produced! I heard it was worn during the first American spacewalk and was the first watch worn by an astronaut walking on the Moon!
So, that’s my story of getting and modifying the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with the open case back. It was a fun little adventure, and I’m stoked to finally have this watch in my collection. I mean, who wouldn’t want a piece of history on their wrist, right? If you’re thinking about getting one, just do your research, be patient, and enjoy the process. It’s a classic for a reason!
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