The limited edition Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 50th Anniversary reference 310.60.42.50.99.001 is inspired by the 1969 BA 145.022. But just how close is it? See for yourself in our latest Juxtapose!
Tour de France Steven Kruijswijk of Team Jumbo Visma and his Omega Speedmaster Professional Wristwatch!
Tour de France cyclist Steven Kruijswijk of Team Jumbo-Visma was spotted during De Avondetappe wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional!
Professional road cyclist Steven Kruijswijk of Team Jumbo-Visma, current number 3 in the general standing of the 2019 Tour de France, was spotted at the Dutch talk show De Avondetappe wearing his Omega Speedmaster wristwatch. A quick search revealed that he’s a man of great taste, as judging by his official team picture it appears to be an Omega Speedmaster Professional. And do I spot a little hesalite glare? It appears that the watch of Steven Kruijswijk is indeed the one and only 311.30.42.30.01.005!
Way to go Stevie – best of luck for days ahead!
Link to NOS De Avondetappe with Steven Kruijswijk wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch wristwatch. (at around 16:00)
Official Team Jumbo Visma team page for Steven Kruijswijk.
Press Release: 321 is back! OMEGA’s lunar legend powers the latest Moonwatch
Introducing the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Platinum
The anticipation is finally over! Earlier this year, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA announced the long-awaited return of its iconic Calibre 321. Today, on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the brand is proud to unveil the first new Speedmaster Moonwatch to house the movement.
Known for its beautifully intricate design, the original Calibre 321 was the first movement ever used in the OMEGA Speedmaster in 1957. Most famously, it was used in a variety of space-bound models including the Speedmaster ST 105.003 (the model tested and qualified by NASA and worn by astronaut Ed White during the first American spacewalk) and the Speedmaster ST 105.012 (the first watch worn on the moon on the 21st of July, 1969). After extensive research and reconstruction in a dedicated workshop, the Calibre 321 has now been reborn in-line with its original specifications.
To view the reconstructed movement, customers will be able to look through the sapphire-crystal caseback of the new Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Platinum. As the name suggests, the chronograph features a 42 mm brushed and polished case crafted from a special platinum alloy with the use of gold (Pt950Au20). The case design is inspired by the asymmetrical 4th generation Speedmaster case with twisted lugs (ST 105.012), and is presented on a black leather strap with a platinum buckle. Furthermore, this exciting timepiece includes a black ceramic bezel with the Speedmaster’s famous tachymeter scale in white enamel.
Of course, there are plenty of other captivating features to explore too. The step dial is formed from onyx, with a deep black colour that works in perfect harmony with the other materials, including 18K white gold for the indexes and hands (except for the central chronograph seconds hand). Another very notable feature of the new timepiece is the three meteorite subdials. In tribute to the Speedmaster’s lunar history, OMEGA has used real slices of moon meteorite, providing a genuine link to the Calibre 321, which has powered every Speedmaster ever worn on the moon.
For fans wishing to own a genuine piece of Moonwatch history, as well as a genuine piece of the moon itself, this chronograph should be high on their wish list.
Press Release: Sotheby’s Auction of Omega Speedmaster Watches Achieves $1.2 Million On the Eve of the 50th Anniversary of The Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Sotheby’s, NEW YORK, 19 July 2019 – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first Omega watch landing on the moon in July 1969, Sotheby’s dedicated auction of Omega Speedmasters totalled $1.2 million today, with a strong 87.8% of watches sold.
Nate Borgelt, Head of Sale for Sotheby’s Watch Department in New York, said: “It has been exciting to put together this sale of Omega Speedmasters, commemorating the watch that Buzz Aldrin wore on the moon exactly 50 years ago. Today’s results affirm the strength of the market for rare stainless-steel sports watches – from the Ref 2915-1 ‘Broad Arrow’, the first Speedmaster model ever created, to the Ref 145.012-67 ‘Ultraman’, named after its appearance in the Japanese television series, to the Alaska III Ref 145.022, made for NASA’s Space Shuttle program in 1978. We were particularly encouraged to see strong interest and participation this afternoon from first-time watch collectors.”
In 1965, NASA sought to find a watch properly provisioned for human spaceflight. Omega is the only brand whose watch passed all ten tests, rendering the Speedmaster model as the official watch of NASA. The iconic watch has been bestowed upon the wrists of astronauts ever since – including all six lunar landings – and has fittingly been dubbed the “Moonwatch”. All of the “Moonwatches” on offer had the additional distinction of being vetted by Omega themselves.
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Omega Speedmaster
Ref 2915-1 ‘Broad Arrow’
A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet
Made in 1958
Estimate $150/200,000
Sold for $250,000
The sale was led by Omega Speedmaster 2915-1 ‘Broad Arrow’ – the first Speedmaster model ever created. Today’s most coveted iteration, the Speedmaster 2915-1’s manufacturing era lasted slightly more than a year between 1957 and 1958, making this scarce reference difficult to find in today’s market. The dial configuration, the tachometer scale engraved into the metal bezel, the renowned caliber 321, the lack of crown guards, the applied Omega logo, and the large “broad arrow” hour hands are all distinguishing traits that differentiate this Speedmaster from its successors.
Omega Prototype Speedmaster
Alaska III Ref 145.022
A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
Made in 1978
Estimate $70/90,000
Sold for $187,500
The sale was highlighted further by an “Alaska III” Speedmaster, made for NASA’s Space Shuttle program in 1978. The project was made to incorporate an anti-reflective crystal and easily legible dial. The black dial is specific to this watch, featuring luminous tritium, and radial counters.
Omega Speedmaster
Ref 145.022-69 ‘Apollo XI’
A Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet
Made in 1969
Estimate $35/50,000
Sold for $68,750
The special edition reference 145.022-69 ‘Apollo XI 1969’ was produced in a series limited to 1014 pieces, created to commemorate the successful moon landing. A selection of the 1014 pieces were given to personalities: Number 1 was presented to President Richard Nixon; number 2 was gifted to Vice President Spiro Agnew; and thirty-four pieces were given to astronauts, including Walter Schirra (no. 9), Ed White (no. 10), Neil Armstrong (no. 17) and Buzz Aldrin (no, 21). Furthermore, numbers 29 and 32 were presented to Swiss politicians as well as the managers of Omega and Lemania. The remaining pieces were sold to the public.
Omega Speedmaster
Ref 2915-3
A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet
Made in 1959
Estimate $40/60,000
Sold for $50,000
Previously preserved in Belgium by its first and only owner who received it as a birthday present and cherished it for 60 years, the Omega Speedmaster Ref 2915-3 features some variations from the essentially identical references 2915-1 and -2: the hour hand for the 2915-3 was longer and had a larger luminous surface in the shape of a triangle, unlike the 2998-1, which had a small straight line of luminous material. On the case back, the Speedmaster text relocated from the edge of the screw down back closer to the hippocampus, and the black aluminum bezel was seen more often alongside the Alpha hands as opposed to the Broad Arrow hands on the -1 and -2.
Press Release: Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 310.20.42.50.01.001
There were many world-changing moments that defined the first lunar landing in 1969. From famous words to dusty footprints, it was a mission that remains unforgettable in so many ways. On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, OMEGA is proud to unveil a new Speedmaster Limited Edition that pays tribute to those iconic hours.
Now, you can wear the first watch worn on the moon – and also relive its journey.
Still a Pioneer
The Speedmaster made watchmaking history on the 21st of July 1969. Today its pioneering spirit still remains through the use of a new material known as 18K Moonshine™ gold. This exclusive patent-pending alloy is a paler hue than traditional yellow gold and offers high resistance to fading over time. As you explore the surface of the watch, you’ll find 18K Moonshine™ gold throughout the design.
Engineering at its Best
Innovation was key to the Apollo 11 success. OMEGA has followed that theme with a 42 mm case in stainless steel and a polished bezel made from 18K Moonshine™ gold. The bezel ring itself is polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a radiant OMEGA Ceragold™ tachymeter scale.
Two distinct zones make up the dial, including a varnished central grey zone and an outer black minute track. 18K Moonshine™ gold is used for the bevelled indexes, vintage OMEGA logo and all of the hands – except for the central chronograph seconds hand, which is “PVD-coated” in Moonshine™ Gold.
Iconic Tributes
Buzz Aldrin was wearing an OMEGA Speedmaster when he climbed down from the Eagle to reach the lunar surface at 03:15:16 UTC. At that second, his timepiece became the first watch worn on the moon. On the 9 o’clock subdial of this new Limited Edition, OMEGA has laser-engraved the image of Buzz on an 18K Moonshine™ Gold plate.
Distinct from all other indexes, the 11 o’clock hour marker is formed by an 18K Moonshine™ Gold number 11, in tribute to the Apollo mission.
Going where no human had gone before. Featured on the caseback is an image of an astronaut’s footprint, which has been laser-engraved onto a black-coated plate with a moon-surface texture.
“THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND”. Neil Armstrong’s legendary words have echoed through time. Now, they are written on the caseback of this watch in 18K Moonshine™ Gold-plated lettering.
The Caseback
Only 6,969 pieces are available in this Limited Edition collection. Proud owners will find their unique number engraved in black on the caseback, along with APOLLO 11, 50th ANNIVERSARY and LIMITED EDITION. Also engraved, yet blending in with the steel, are NAIAD LOCK, Cal. 3861 and CO-AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER.
Moonwatch Movement
The brand new OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 takes the next evolutionary step for the famous Moonwatch movement. It took 4 years of trial-and-error to create the calibre’s most recent incarnation. OMEGA was determined to produce a movement of the highest standard, yet perfectly match the dimensions of the 1861.
That goal has been achieved. Now crafted with Co-Axial technology, a stopsecond function and OMEGA’s superior anti-magnetic innovation, the Speedmaster Moonwatch is resistant to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss and has been able to reach the Master Chronometer standard, which assures the industry’s highest certified level of precision, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance.
Astronaut Kit
The watch is presented on a polished-brushed metallic bracelet with a vintage Ω on the clasp: a design inspired by the bracelet of the 4 th generation Speedmaster (ST 105.012-65).
For the customer’s own mission, however, this new Limited Edition comes with another special option.
Inside the NASA-style presentation box, you’ll find an additional Velcro® strap with black-coated cork. This innovative design is a salute to the Apollo-era “boost protective cover” – a fiberglass structure covered with cork which fitted over the Command Module like a glove, keeping the crew of the Saturn V rocket safe from the intense heat produced at launch.
The box also includes two mission patches (50th anniversary / Apollo 11), two engraved plates (landing site coordinates / landing site and time) as well as a strap-changing tool. Best of all, it houses the ultimate Lunar Model display stand.