As the fastest swimmer in Canadian history, Brent Hayden knows a thing or two about speed. Add in a lifelong fascination with astronauts, a passion for watches, and an Olympic connection, and you’ve got a recipe for a true Omega fan. Brent goes deep into his love for the Speedmaster – in all its forms – as he hunts for his favorite special editions. Let’s dive in!
Great Watches Under $5,000
Count your lucky stars that there are still Omega Speedmasters available under $5,000. With all the history, design, engineering, and fanaticism, it’s a miracle that these haven’t gone the way of some other fan favorites. As an astronaut enthusiast from an early age, Brent has loved the Omega Speedmaster for a long time – what better place to start than the classic Moonwatch? Some will opt for the automatic Reduced model, but as Brent and many other fans will recommend, nothing replaces the classic manual-wind on an Omega Speedmaster ref. 3570.50, for example.
Enthusiast’s Corner: Rare and Exceptional Timepieces
Can we squeeze in a pun about an Olympian going for gold? Because with the Omega Apollo XI Speedmaster, you’re getting a whole lot of gold. Only about 300 examples of this model were ever produced during its run from 1980-1988, and it was the first Omega Speedmaster to feature a display case back. Not to mention, it’s gotta feel good to walk into a room with a solid gold Omega Speedmaster on your wrist.
Iconic Timepieces: Great Value for Money
If you, like Brent, already have a Speedy, or if you, like Brent, want something a little more unique, then the Omega Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” is worth a look. With a 44-mm black ceramic case, it’s certainly not your typical Moonwatch, and it comes with a date window and second time zone subdial. Laser ablation adds texture and depth to the matte gray dial, and the Sedna gold accents pop against the brooding background. It’s a watch that warmly welcomes you over to the dark side.
