An Oldtimer from a fresh perspective - Omega Moonwatch 1969's perfect 2025 landing

Oh, no, yet another text about Omega Moonwatch! Just what I needed. NOT! Yes, that would be my first reaction, too. Never mind, let's stroll the surface of the Moon together!

Just kidding, sorry, there won't be any such references, I promise. This portrayal comes from an utterly different perspective, with minimum historical reference and maximum present-day parallel and relevance.

The primary focus is how well the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch fits contemporary aesthetics, including strap-combining potential. A hint: You're in for a pleasant surprise! For those new to the Moonwatch topic, a brief intro does follow (avid fans can skip it if so inclined) and then the spotlight turns solely to the Moonwatch's contemporary life.

Speedmaster Moonwatches paired with pilot-style FKM rubber watch straps bring about a fresh kind of elegance, a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. Left and bottom: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 paired with an FKM Quick Release Orange Rivet Pilot Rubber Watch Strap; Right and up: Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3576.50.00 paired with an FKM Quick Release Navy Blue Rivet Pilot Rubber Watch Strap

A tiny touch of Moonwatch 1969's glorious life path

Although initially designed as a race car watch as part of Omega's instrument watch trilogy, which came out in 1957, this Speedmaster quickly skyrocketed into space adventures. The premier one was the Sigma 7 mission in 1962, while the most famous one was, of course, the Moon landing mission of Apollo 11, where the one and only Moonwatch nickname came from and has ever since been a trademark of this one-of-a-kind pedigree watch.

The infamous caseback of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969

The Omega Speedmaster series has been in production for more than 60 years now. By far, the most iconic representative of the series, many would say of the entire Omega production, is the Moonwatch. It has gone over many iterations over the years, each with its own special features (some of them are featured in the photos in this article). Finally, the fact that it is still in production and has never stopped being highly sought after tells us a lot about its status among fans.

What's most important for today's relevance is that the Moonwatch never ceases to amaze in terms of adaptability and timeless usability. It possesses chameleon-like potential, which is among the main reasons it has maintained stellar status among generations of its fans. This time, the focus is on how well the Moonwatch pairs with select FKM rubber straps and how versatile such a symbiosis is.

Brown tone styling enhances the appeal of the vintage Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969, creating a warm, nostalgic aesthetic that complements its historic significance. The Omega Moonwatch 1969 paired with an FKM Rhombus Brown 20mm Rubber Strap

Timeless elegance meets a fresh approach

There are probably only a few wristwatches with such a rich and one-of-a-kind history that the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch rightfully boasts. However, being that unique is in fact a mixed blessing. Fans will always have the highest expectations, and meeting them while staying true to yourself is a serious effort.

The key to Moonwatch's ongoing relevance is rooted in its design. This article focuses on the traditional, all-black dial Moonwatch since it epitomizes a timeless design of classic elegance.  Such aesthetics are a fertile ground for even the most surprising watch strap combinations. On the other hand, Moonwatches of other dial colors fit the same premise, too.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 is vividly contrasted by a 20mm Quick Release FKM28 Yellow FKM Rubber Watch Strap to give it a more contemporary outlook

Apart from Moonwatch's historical significance in the horology world, its strap combination potential has kept it additionally and continually appealing over the years. Who'd ever imagine a masculine, 47.5mm lug-to-lug, all-black piece with such a background would look so good and feel at home with a bright yellow or red rubber strap? Yet, this phenomenon is surprisingly easy to explain.

The fundamental combo that makes such an unusual pairing possible stems from Moonwatche's unique personality and traits. Essential features of a watch of such background and status are so well-known that they are always easily identified even in the most unusual settings, such as vivid colored rubber strap pairing by all means is.

When wearing dark tones, adding accessories, such as a vibrant red FKM rubber strap, for a bold accent that elevates the overall look is a single touch that changes the entire vibe without disturbing the dark-tone elegance to any degree. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 paired with a 20mm FKM Red Large Holes Rally Rubber Watch Strap 

Don't always go black; it's too low-profile. Try this sleek grey FKM29 watch band with a rattan pattern, customizable length, quick-release functionality, and versatile styling for just about every occasion. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 complemented by an FKM Quick Release FKM29 Light Grey Rubber Watch Strap

A contemporary momentum of the Omega Moonwatch(es)

Not only does Moonwatch preserve its well-known appeal in the above-described pairing, but it also gains contemporary momentum of high potential. It assures the fans that it's open to new conquests and pushing frontiers, something we all know Moonwatch is capable of. And that goes for all iterations of the Moonwatch.

Take, for example, the bright yellow and holed red rubber watch straps featured in the photos. This seemingly improper combination is highly effective when black-dialed Moonwatches and a dark-toned outfit are concerned. Vivid yellow and vibrant red are the single details, the attention grabber that completely changes the prevailing monochromatic vibe without taking even the slightest amount of elegance off it.

3 different Speedmaster Moonwatches paired with textured various colors of Rhombus FKM Quick Release rubber watch straps for a fresh contemporary vibe radiance. Left: Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3576.50.00 and a Blue Rhombus watch strap, 20mm; Middle : Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 and a Brown Rhombus Strap ; Right: Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 and a Black Rhombus strap

It's not only the colors of the rubber straps that give a fresh perspective and potential to Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Their texture and material features are equally significant. Flat-surfaced watch straps uphold elegance and complement the formal appeal, while textured ones add a touch of sporty elegance and casual vibe. Such an easy yet highly impactful manner of either complementing or transforming the customary traditional appeal of the Moonwatch. 

If you are looking for a way to transform the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 into a blend of elegant and casual appeal, pairing it with a 20mm Quick Release Dark Green Diver FKM Rubber Strap is the perfect solution.

In addition, rubber straps elevate another feature fans love about Moonwatch: its wearability. Besides providing ultimate comfort, rubber straps are antiallergic, waterproof, and easily customizable in length. No limits exist to who, when, and where can wear a Moonwatch. Come rain or come shine, it fits your wrist at any time, any place, and on every occasion.

Modern and vintage Speedmaster Moonwatces side by side, and equally at home, with flat-surfaced and subtle-colored rubber straps. Left: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969 with a Quick Release FKM27 Orange FKM Rubber watch strap; Right: Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 with a Quick Release FKM27 Navy Blue FKM Rubber watch strap

There's always room for surprises

Who would ever have thought the Moonwatch would make such a successful and refreshing match with modern FKM rubber straps? The oldtimer seems to always have a couple of winning aces up its sleeves and manages to surprise us with something new. Guess it all comes from standing firmly on the ground regardless of how high you once flew, and no other watch flew higher than the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 1969.  It means being ready to fit the occasion, finding a rightful place among the latest and the freshest, just as remarkably as it does in a traditional setting.

Written by S.K., images by Toni