“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” These famous words were spoken by US astronaut Neil Armstrong on July 21, 1969, when he became the first man to walk on the moon, followed by Buzz Aldrin. Most of you probably know that Aldrin wore an Omega Speedmaster Professional on his wrist as he hopped across the lunar surface – images that went down in history. Since then, this timepiece has been known as the “Moonwatch,” inextricably linked to the historic event. Over the decades, Omega has introduced many variations of the Speedmaster Professional, some of which differed visually – and in some cases technically – from the original. One such model is the Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.012-67 introduced in 1967. The watch differs from the regular Moonwatch primarily in one small detail: the orange chronograph seconds hand. In 1971, the 145.012-67 appeared on the wrist of a member of the “Monster Attack Team” in the Japanese television series The Return of Ultraman, earning the watch its nickname. Original vintage examples of this particular reference are extremely rare and very popular with collectors, which experience has shown leads to very high prices. To make the Ultraman accessible to a wider audience, Omega launched a special edition of the model in 2018, limited to 2,012 pieces. This timepiece bears the reference number 311.12.42.30.01.001 and was created in collaboration with the well-known watch blog Fratello Watches as part of the latter’s “Speedy Tuesday.” The full name of the watch is the Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman”.

Design and Function of the Omega Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman”
The version of the Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman” presented in 2018 features a number of orange design elements that contribute to its overall colorful appearance. At first glance, the orange stop-seconds hand, hour markers, and “TACHYMÈTRE” lettering on the black aluminum bezel catch the eye. Further inspection reveals more details. For example, the first three minutes of the 3 o’clock subdial are also orange. This design is a reference to the Ultraman character, who is able to operate in superhero mode for three minutes. Below the 12 o’clock position, the “Speedmaster” inscription is also executed in orange between the white Omega logo and the PROFESSIONAL lettering. The technical functions of the Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman” are the same as those of the classic Moonwatch. The chronograph subdials are located at 3 (minutes indicator), 6 (12-hour indicator), and 9 o’clock (seconds counter). The 9 o’clock position also features a remarkable detail that can only be seen with the help of a UV lamp, which Omega supplied directly with the watch – the silhouette of the Ultraman. The NATO strap is black and orange to match the overall appearance of the watch.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ultraman in Detail
Typical for an Omega Speedmaster Professional, the case diameter is 42 mm, making the watch particularly well-suited for wrists with a diameter of at least 18 cm. Thanks to the watch’s curved lugs, the lug-to-lug measures only around 47.5 mm. The thickness of the model is just over 13 mm, which is relatively flat for a chronograph. The standard lug width of 20 mm is also quite moderate. Overall, the Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman” has dimensions that are not too bulky, making it interesting for many watch enthusiasts. The sides of the stainless steel case are satin finished, while the sides of the horns are polished. The Speedmaster Professional also uses a Hesalite crystal. With a water resistance of 50 meters (5 bar, 164 feet), the Ultraman is sufficiently protected against water, but should not be worn for swimming or other water activities. All in all, the “Ultraman” is a luxurious tool watch that will serve its wearer well as a reliable companion in practically all everyday situations. Ticking away inside is the well-known Omega manual-winding caliber 1861. This is another feature that puts the Ultraman on the same technical level as the classic Moonwatch. Like its predecessors, such as the calibers 321 and 861, the 1861 is also based on the Lemania 1873. The balance wheel of this movement oscillates at a leisurely 21,600 vibrations per hour (A/h), delivering 48 hours of power reserve. Unfortunately, you can’t see the movement on this model, as it is hidden behind a stainless steel case back with numerous engravings such as “The First Watch Worn On The Moon,” “Limited Edition,” and “#SpeedyTuesday.”
Summary
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” combines the rich history of the Speedmaster with an iconic element of Japanese pop culture. The limited edition, eye-catching design with its orange accents and homage to the TV series “The Return of Ultraman” make this watch a coveted collector’s item. The model impresses with its visual appeal, as well as the proven precision and reliability of a Speedmaster and its tried-and-tested 1861 caliber. A special and loving detail is the silhouette of the Ultraman visible under UV light, and the supplied UV lamp. Thanks to the lug width of 20 mm, the watch can be worn with an almost infinite combination of straps, making it a real “strap monster.” With an average price of around $11,500 (as of October 2024), the Ultraman is certainly not cheap. Looking at the competition from other market leaders however helps put this investment into perspective.