Released in 1957 and based on their earlier chronographs from the 1920s and '30s, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Named after the purpose of the tachymeter along its bezel, the Speedmaster was designed for race car drivers and pilots to time events and make rapid calculations. While these adrenaline-fueled activities might not be for the faint-hearted, they weren't what made the Speedmaster so iconic - that was its use in space and on the Moon. Following a gruelling series of tests with several competing brands, the Speedmaster debuted in space as a piece of NASA standard-issue equipment during the Gemini program of 1965. Today the Speedmaster has many forms, but the Moonwatch is by far the most iconic, with its design standing as the prototypical look of the Speedmaster. A rather luxurious take on the Speedmaster, the ref. 3194.50; limited to just 250 pieces, that we have here boasts a sapphire sandwich configuration whereby its exhibition caseback and crystal over its black dial are both made of sapphire crystal. Furthermore, the ref. 3194.50 also features an entirely 18kt yellow gold construction with a matching bracelet that takes the Speedmaster’s tool-ish design and steps it up a notch in terms of exclusivity and gravitas.

An iconic tool watch levelled up as a luxury timepiece, the ref. 3194.50 takes the Speedy's legendary design and brings it into the realm of modern watch collection perfectly.