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Watching Movies Ryan Gosling Wears All The Omegas In 'First Man'

There's a Speedmaster for Earth and a Speedmaster for space in our watch-related movie of the week.

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First Man (2018) stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong – tracking the famed astronaut’s earthly beginnings as a pilot through his first small steps on the Moon. Director Damian Chazelle puts the audience inside the claustrophobic cabins of multiple space-faring vessels in a way never before seen on screen. It's a movie about NASA, the 1960s, and the lunar landing – so you better believe it’s full of Omegas.

Gosling's Armstrong wearing an Omega Speedmaster Professional reference 105.012.


Why We're Watching

We learned some sad news this week as Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot Michael Collins died at the age of 90. Collins may not have stepped foot on the Moon himself, but was a key member of that legendary crew and was known to have worn an Omega Speedmaster reference 145.012. In First Man, he's portrayed by actor Lukas Haas (of Mars Attacks fame).

The late Michael Collins seated next to crew members Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Photo: Getty/Bettmann / Contributor.

First Man is an Omega fanboy’s paradise. From Armstrong's everyday Omega to the "Ed White" to the issued Speedmasters on each Apollo Astronaut – this film turns the watch volume up to 11 – Apollo 11 (I'll see myself out).

Armstrong wears two watches in the film – well, technically three. The first is an Omega CK 2605 from the 1950s. If you've seen any vintage Seamaster before, you've got a pretty good idea for how this one looks and wears. It's the classic 1940s Omega wristwatch design.

Gosling's Armstrong interviewing with Nasa wearing the Omega CK 2605. Screengrab: Universal Pictures

The Omega CK 2605 as seen in First Man.

The second and third are an Omega Speedmaster reference 105.003 (also known as the Ed White) and the 105.012 – both housing the caliber 321 manual winding movement. The reference 105.003 was the last of the Speedmaster to be made at 38mm. While the 105.012 is not a successor model, it’s quite different from the Ed White. It’s the first 42mm Speedy, the first with crown guards, and the first reference to feature Professional on the dial. These were the references worn by the real-life Armstrong both in preparation for the Apollo 11 mission, and the mission itself (one to try and the other to fly).

Gosling's Armstrong, Speedmaster on wrist, in First Man. Photo: Universal Pictures/ Daniel C. McFadden

Omega Speedmaster reference 105.003 "Ed White."

Omega Speedmaster reference 105.012.

But of course, no film about the Moon landing or Apollo missions is complete without more Speedmasters. The film features Ed White himself (played by Jason Clarke), who dons that very eponymous watch. White is famous in horological lore for wearing his own personal Speedy before it became an officially issued watch – hence the moniker.

If you look hard enough, you can catch a glimpse of a Speedmaster on someone's wrist for most of the film. Buzz Aldrin (portrayed by Corey Stoll) plays a crucial role in the movie and it doesn't get more Speedy than Buzz.


When We're Watching

The first scene features a test-pilot Armstrong (pre-NASA). He suffers a family tragedy early in the film and attempts to return to work far sooner than anyone would advise. He sits down at his desk and quickly receives word from a superior that he won't be taking to the skies any time soon. He's grounded – and nobody likes being grounded. With his period-accurate attire and haircut, Armstrong takes a beat (00:15:10), bringing his hands to his face in disappointment. It's at this moment that his ’50s-era Omega CK 2605 comes into full view.

Gosling's Armstrong and his Omega CK 2605. Screengrab: Universal Pictures

The next scene finds Armstrong and crew in their pre-launch ramp-up. Now, you can't go to the Moon without speaking to the press. It's the rules. Following a rigorous training regiment, the stoic Armstrong – flanked by Aldrin and Collins – sits in front of a gaggle of news reporters (01:30:38), champing at the bit to talk to the future moonwalkers. As the three astronauts field questions (with Aldrin taking the lion's share of the answers, their Speedmasters – especially Armstrong's – are clearly visible on-wrist.

Director Damian Chazelle on-set with (right to left) Ryan Gosling, Corey Stoll, and Lukas Hass. Photo: Universal Pictures

That said, pretty much every scene is a watch-spotting scene. Got a favorite moment? Let us know in the comments.

First Man (starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy) is directed by Damian Chazelle, with production design by Nathan Crowley, props by Jonathan R. Hodges, cinematography by Linus Sandgren, and score by Justin Hurwitz. It’s available to stream on Hulu or FXNow and is available to rent on iTunes or Amazon.  For more information on the film click here, and for more on the Omega Speedmaster, click here.

Lead Image courtesy: Universal Pictures/ Daniel C. McFadden