Before NASA ever sent the Speedmaster on its course to the moon, Omega had pitched the chronograph specifically at racing drivers or, at least, wannabe racing drivers. And despite NASA facilitating what was perhaps the greatest unique selling point in the history of marketing, Omega never lost sight of the watch’s roots. 

Fast forward to the mid-1990s and the Swiss watchmaker had employed Michael Schumacher as an ambassador. The German racer had already scored two World Driver’s Championship victories with Benetton and moved to Ferrari ahead of the 1996 season. Omega promptly introduced a series of special edition Speedmaster Reduced models. Available in yellow, red, and blue, the watches were essentially identical to the regular Speedmaster Reduced, but with a different dial, strap, and set of hands. And though there was no explicit reference to Schumacher on the watches themselves, the ultra-cool presentation box, which mimicked two Formula 1 car’s tyres, bore the great driver’s signature. 

Okay, so they were not limited in number and featured off-the-shelf ETA automatic movements, but today, these bold yet slinky Speedmasters are very wearable, available for well below 2,000 euros, and provide a timely reminder of arguably the greatest racing driver of all time. You’re always in our thoughts, Michael… 

Photos: Phillips, Getty Images