60 years of the Omega Speedmaster and a mini-Vienna GTG
KMII
Those of you who have been to the first, legendary Vienna GTG know that Magnus is a mastermind organiser and he has surprised us Vienna based Purists with another small gem this week - an invitation by Omega to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Speedmaster line, hosted by the Vienna Boutique / Museum and having Petros Protopapas - Omega's International Brand Heritage Manager - as a 'star guest'.
As previously stated here in Ken's landmark article on the Speedmaster history (see here: http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-677/pi-7607273/ti-1054643/s-0/t--speedy-fans-a-true-story-about-omega-speedmaster-and-nasa-space-program/ for more details), Mr. Protopapas is an incredibly knowledgeable and curious individual, pairing this with real charm and kindness. He even did not mind my interest in the 'darker sides' of Omega history, namely some quartz models like the Seamaster Marine Chronometer or the Seamaster Polaris Titane (in titanium / palladium)
At the same time he also managed to find the right balance in his lecture on the Speedmaster history, making it interesting both to hardcore collectors as well as those who had a sparser knowledge of the fine minutiae of the space program or Omega's connection to it. Counting myself rather towards the latter part of the spectrum, I found the presentation increadibly helpful. In line with the event, the exhibits in the Vienna Museum have been altered somewhat, too. Those who have attended last year's GTG would surely have recognised some pieces but there was enough new material to make regular visits interesting.
In addition to the watches, they for instance had one of the few remaining Hasselblad Lunar Surface Cameras - a testament to astronauts sometimes not following procedure to the letter. These were namely to be left behind on the moon as excess ballast but some were not. This is an actual example having seen the moon and is on permanent loan to Omega from the Smithsonian Museum.
As one of the highlights, Mr. Protopapas pulled an Alaska II prototype out of his coat pocket and allowed us to take a closer look. The Alaska project is one that will get covered a lot more heavily in the future, as some very interesting new findings have emerged in the recent research endeavour. This generation was no longer encased in titanium but in brushed steel - the matt finishing being essential for its non-glare properties.
As previously stated here in Ken's landmark article on the Speedmaster history (see here: http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-677/pi-7607273/ti-1054643/s-0/t--speedy-fans-a-true-story-about-omega-speedmaster-and-nasa-space-program/ for more details), Mr. Protopapas is an incredibly knowledgeable and curious individual, pairing this with real charm and kindness. He even did not mind my interest in the 'darker sides' of Omega history, namely some quartz models like the Seamaster Marine Chronometer or the Seamaster Polaris Titane (in titanium / palladium)
At the same time he also managed to find the right balance in his lecture on the Speedmaster history, making it interesting both to hardcore collectors as well as those who had a sparser knowledge of the fine minutiae of the space program or Omega's connection to it. Counting myself rather towards the latter part of the spectrum, I found the presentation increadibly helpful. In line with the event, the exhibits in the Vienna Museum have been altered somewhat, too. Those who have attended last year's GTG would surely have recognised some pieces but there was enough new material to make regular visits interesting.
In addition to the watches, they for instance had one of the few remaining Hasselblad Lunar Surface Cameras - a testament to astronauts sometimes not following procedure to the letter. These were namely to be left behind on the moon as excess ballast but some were not. This is an actual example having seen the moon and is on permanent loan to Omega from the Smithsonian Museum.
All the generations of the Moonwatch were present, too, including the solid YG models that have been made by Omega as a present to the astronauts and to president Nixon (who declined to accept the gift).
As one of the highlights, Mr. Protopapas pulled an Alaska II prototype out of his coat pocket and allowed us to take a closer look. The Alaska project is one that will get covered a lot more heavily in the future, as some very interesting new findings have emerged in the recent research endeavour. This generation was no longer encased in titanium but in brushed steel - the matt finishing being essential for its non-glare properties.
Here a parting shot of what the event was all about - the Speedmaster Professional. I can only express my sincere gratitude to Omega and to Magnus for the opportunity to participate in this fascinating event and I have to say that having an 'International Brand Heritage Manager' who is an avid fan of the Omega Flightmaster is bound to be a recipe for success
Comments:
zabreg1 Mr White March 17th, 2017-06:12
Very cool. I wish I was there, knowing last year's GTG and Magnus' organizational skills.
KMII March 17th, 2017-08:26
This was slightly more subdued :) I also needed to leave early, so no tableshots or shots of grappa this time But a great, very instructive evening nevertheless!
nilomis March 17th, 2017-11:28
The Europeans have all fun ... I'm joking. The Alaska II is just fantastic!!! Thanks for posting. Cheers, Nilo
KMII March 17th, 2017-11:29
I am sure we will host you in Vienna before too long, Nilo :) It would be a pleasure at any rate! Thanks for your kind words
Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise March 18th, 2017-00:06
It was a fantastic night! And some suspicious guy were also there, including the one who wore an incredible Paul Gerber watch... Thanks for the photos, Kristjan! Yours, Adam
KMII March 18th, 2017-00:35
It was a pleasure :) Unfortunately I had to leave early but shall be better next time! Hope you also got home alright
Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise March 18th, 2017-02:39
Yes, thanks! We stayed also on that night in Vienna, a marvellous city!
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blomman Mr Blue
Vienna GTG – The Omega Boutique
blomman Mr Blue
Friends, During our Vienna GTG our gracious host Magnus arranged a private visit for our group in the beautiful Omega Boutique located in the prestige’s Stephansplatz. There we were received with open arms, the special Bollinger Omega Cuvee and odours from the Schwartzen Kameel! A great opportunity to see many examples of Omega’s current production. But also, the Vienna Omega Boutique is the only Omega Boutique in the world having a museum room! Here we had the privilege to see some of the important pieces ... .
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