Whether you love or hate it, it cannot be understated that the Omega Speedmaster Professional is one of the most important watches in horological history. Known more fondly in our community as the “Moonwatch”, its blend of history, functionality and design has elevated it to a level of importance and admiration that few timepieces can match.
There are a number of reasons why the Omega Speedmaster remains a must-have for so many collectors. Most notably, it is known as the first watch worn on the moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster on the lunar surface, cementing its status as the "Moonwatch." This historical association has contributed immensely to the watch's iconic status.
Omega Speedmaster - Credit WatchGecko
It’s also the only watch to have passed NASA's rigorous testing and been declared "flight-qualified for all manned space missions." It was selected by NASA in the early 1960s after a series of evaluations, making it the official watch for astronauts.
Over the years, its black dial, tachymeter bezel and chronograph sub-dials have become iconic and even modern iterations still uphold the aesthetic of those originally launched in 1957. We could go on and on about the cultural significance and collectability of this model, but there’s another aspect to the Moonwatch that contributes to its desirability. And that’s its ability to suit straps of every style and colour.
The Omega Speedmaster is what you might call a “strap monster”. It looks good on a bracelet, leather strap, rubber strap and of course, those vintage-inspired nylon bands. This is ideal for any seasoned strap swapper, but it also leaves possibilities endless. So, to help you find your next replacement watch strap for the Omega Speedmaster, we’ve hand-picked five of our favourite nylon watch bands.
ZULUDIVER Octopod Watch Strap
Omega Speedmaster on ZULUDIVER OctoPod Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
When you have a watch as iconic as the Omega Speedmaster, you typically want a strap with a “simple” aesthetic that won’t outshine the watch’s recognisable design. For this, we recommend our ZULUDIVER Octopod watch strap. This innovative strap combines the durability of a one-piece military nylon band with a clever stainless steel deployment buckle so you can always secure a comfortable fit. The dark grey colour matches with the monochromatic design of the Moonwatch perfectly and its comfortable, water resistant and flexible finish allows it to transition between all occasions.
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap: ARMOURED RECON in Military Black
Omega Speedmaster on ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap: ARMOURED - Credit WatchGecko
$43.00 CAD
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap: ARMOURED RECON - Military Black, Satin
$43.00 CAD
Another classic nylon strap perfect for the Omega Speedmaster is our ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military strap in Military Black. This comes with a classic stainless steel pin buckle and silky-smooth high-strength seatbelt nylon webbing for a slightly more put-together look. It’s a material with a soft-to-the-touch finish and a slight reflective quality allowing it to change colour ever so slightly depending on the light.
The Vintage Watch Company Military Watch Strap in Admiralty Grey
Omega Speedmaster on The Vintage Watch Company Military Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
A strap designed especially for vintage-style watches like the Omega Speedmaster, our Vintage Watch Company Military Watch Strap in Admiralty Grey has been proudly created in collaboration with David Silver from the Vintage Watch Company in London. Our aim was to create a range of affordable, military-inspired straps to highlight the vintage details of retro or retro-inspired watches. Our iteration in Admiralty Grey works really well with the black dial of the Moonwatch, offering just enough contrast to be noticeable but not enough to deflect attention away from the watch’s design. Meanwhile, the stainless steel hardware matches perfectly with the watch’s brushed case.
WatchGecko Signature Single Pass Military Nylon Watch Strap in Black
Omega Speedmaster on WatchGecko Signature Military Nylon Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
For a nylon watch strap with a thin, close-to-the-skin finish and a subtle shine, we recommend our WatchGecko Signature Single Pass Military Nylon Watch Strap in black. Just 1.25mm thick, it sits incredibly close to the wrist and yet still promises exceptional levels of durability and comfort. The hardware, finished in brushed stainless steel, is also kept nice and thin and includes a floating keeper that can move to suit the length of any excess strap.
WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap in Yellow
Omega Speedmaster on WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
Finally, those of you looking for a nylon strap for the Omega Speedmaster with a bit of flavour and pizazz, we recommend our WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap in yellow. Contrasting dramatically against the monochromatic colourway of the Moonwatch, this bright yellow shade will instantly bring attention to what’s on your wrist. It is also durable and water resistant, utilising a subtly ribbed nylon inspired by old-fashion military webbing.
