Highly Rare and Important, Speedmaster, Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Made to Commemorate the Apollo XI Moon Landing, With Box and Papers, Reference 145 022 Lot Description Model: Speedmaster, Apollo XI 1969 - Tribute to Astronauts
Reference: 145.022
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1969
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 861
Case N°: 615
Movement N°: 28 422 146
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Warranty and Service
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI model, reference 145.022, chronograph manufactured in yellow gold, was released following historical landing on the surface of the moon, as a commemoration of this incredible accomplishment. A total of 1,014 examples were produced with the first and second specimens offered to the President Nixon and Vice-President Spiro Agnew of the United States, which, however, were declined due to compliance reasons and that now reside in the Omega museum. The group up to watch number 32 were offered during a gala dinner in Houston to mission astronauts and they were engraved “To Mark Man’s Conquest of Space with Time, Through Time, on Time”. The remaining watches were sold to the general public and like the present example number 615, featured an engraved back reading “Omega Speedmaster - Apollo XI 1969 - The First Watch Worn on the Moon”. There are three different types of engraving: thin and unpainted for approximately the first 100 examples, then thick and unpainted and finally thick and painted with a burgundy color, which complements its burgundy-colored bezel. This watch is from the latter version, with thick painted lettering. The 145.022 has a strong appeal with gold dial, onyx numerals and a breaking pattern burgundy bezel. The present lot is offered in remarkable over all condition and is enhanced by the addition not only of the international warranty but the very rare lunar scape Crater presentation box. Few have surfaced and it is said to be rarer than the actual watch itself and should certainly appeal to any well-established collector.
Request more information
