iW Magazine Winter 2017/18 | Page 104

1992 SKELETON 1992 JUBILEE 1995 APOLLO 13 This skeletonized design was limited to just 50 pieces, each with a transparent caseback. The inspiration was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of OMEGA’s 27 CHRO C12 project, which led to the creation of the calibre 321 that was used in the very first Speedmaster. Omega launched the 27 CHRO C12 project in 1942, which led to the creation of the calibre 321 that was used in the very first Speedmaster. To mark the 50th anniversary of this occasion, Omega produced this unique Jubilee 27 CHRO C12 model in 1992. It was the first COSC-certified manual-wound Speedmaster and was a limited edition of 50 pieces. The Omega Speedmaster served a life-saving role aboard Apollo 13 in 1970 when it helped the astronauts return safely to Earth. This 25th anniversary model is a favorite among collectors due to it being the first in a long series of Mission models that followed. It includes an Apollo 13 badge and was limited to 999 pieces. 1995 MIR 365 DAYS 1996 RACING 1997 RELAUNCH In 1990, ten standard Speedmaster Moonwatches were kept aboard the orbiting MIR Space Station for 90 days to test the effects of zero gravity on the watch. Two years later, a second series spend 365 days on the station in a further experiment. Twenty-eight of these history-making watches were sold in 1995. This model is notable for its younger aesthetics and was produced in both red and yellow versions. Racing legend Michael Schumacher, who had become a new Omega ambassador in 1996, launched the piece. As well as featuring a racing-style minute track, the watch had a rubber presentation box that resem- bled the tires of F1 cars and featured Schumacher’s signature in white. With the exact same dial, bezel, hands and logo as the Broad Arrow of 1957, this watch, sometimes referred to as the Replica, was the first to be included in the Missions set of 1997, which marked the 40th anni- versary of the Speedmaster. Along with this watch, the set contained 22 other Speedmasters each with a different mission patch on the dial. WINTER 2018 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 103