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Hands-On: the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 40th Anniversary

Omega Speedmaster “Apollo XVII” 40th anniversary Limited Edition

This article was first published on June 25, 2013.

A closer look

Omega surprised both friend and foe when they presented their latest limited edition (1972 pieces) Speedmaster Professional at the 2012 BaselWorld show. While we have seen many Speedmasters adorned with the famous NASA-patches, their latest offering seemed to outdo them all in grand fashion, sporting a dial in 925 silver engraved with the Apollo XVII patch.

BaselWorld 2012 has long passed and we have since had the chance to spend some time with this unusual Speedmaster specimen. A closer look thus seemed in order. Please keep in mind that this is by no means a review, but rather a personal observation.

To the best of our knowledge, the Apollo XVII 40th anniversary is the third Speedmaster paying tribute to this final Apollo mission, preceded by the ref. 3574.51 and the Mission Patch ref. 3597.20 (145.0022). The former was fitted with a standard dial but featured a caseband engraving and special caseback, while the latter lacked the caseband engraving but had a dial which featured a printed version of the Apollo XVII patch in the nine o’clock subdial.

So the Apollo XVII patch was nothing new to Omega. Even an engraved patch was a thing the famous brand used before – on the 2009 Apollo XI 40th anniversary watch, which featured a patch in either silver or gold on the 9 o’clock subdial. But for the Apollo XVII, Omega decided to shake things up and do things differently.

The Apollo XVII is not fitted with the standard black dial, but rather with an example in 925 silver, 100%, fully, COMPLETELY dedicated to the Apollo XVII patch – except for the chapter ring. The engraved dial is patina’d by hand, giving the image more depth and life. Quite a departure from the original toolwatch concept!


The original Apollo XVII patch was designed by the late Robert McCall, a artist renowned for his space-influenced art and work for NASA. It was based on the statue ‘Apollo Belvedere’, which depicts the Greek God Apollo just after shooting an arrow at the serpent Python. In Mr. McCalls patch, Apollo is pictured in front of stylized image of an Eagle. The eagle is adorned with stripes resembling the American flag, and three stars depicting the crew members. On the background we can see the Moon, Saturn and a galaxy. 

But does something like this ‘work’ on a toolwatch like the Speedy Pro? An icon, a horological classic like very few others? In a strange way, we think it does – even more so in person than it does in pictures. It takes the Speedmaster to another level, it changes the watch from a functional instrument to a piece of art, just like Omega did on the 1994 Armin Strom-skeletonized Speedmaster 145.0063 and, arguably to a lower extend, on the Meteorite dialed 311.30.42.30.99.001.

The dial is reminds us, at least in spirit, of the wonderful enamel cloisonné dials from years gone by, of which we see stunning examples pop up and fetch killer prices at auctions every once in a while. Only this time the vivid colors of the enamel are exchanged for the monochrome look of the patina’d silver – and stunning it is!

Even more so, it hints of coin watches as made famous by makes such as Corum, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget, often using the Liberty Head Double Eagle. While the combination of this type of dial with the Speedmaster Professional is by no means obvious, it creates a stark contrast that is interesting on many levels – visual, intellectual and horological.

Sure, the Speedmaster Professional “Apollo XVII” 40th anniversary is not for the faint of heart. It might send shivers down the spine of purists Speedmaster collectors. But those looking for something different, something thought provoking, something defiant and out-of-the-ordinary: this might just be your watch!

Quick tech specs;

  • 42mm
  • Stainless steel on stainless steel bracelet
  • Cal. 1861
  • Special box with full color Apollo XVII patch – as shown below by Captain Eugene Cernan
  • Special caseback ‘Last man on the Moon’
  • Limited edition 1972 pcs

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

It’s been a while folks.. How’ve  you been?

Our day-to-day business has been keeping us very busy in the past few weeks but we’re back with a vengeance! Please welcome the newest addition to the SpeedyWatches.com family: the Racing Japan 3750.40.00!

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

If you’ve been following SpeedyWatches, you’ve seen our post with the loose dial of the  Racing Japan 3750.40.00.. Our friends at Ace Jewelers keep one in their safe, waiting for that one customer who wants to build his or her own Japan Racing Speedy. But today we’re not featuring a custom Speedmaster, but the real deal: a true Racing Japan 3750.40.00 sold in Japan in 2004 with the goodies to back it up.

As the only differences between a regular 3570.50 and 3570.40 are the dial and hands, the provenance is very important if you’re into such things. In this case, make sure the serial number is in the right range and that the card is stamped by a Japanese retailer. Extras like the hang tag with the distinct serial number are a nice bonus.. And if in doubt, an extract from Omega’s archives should do the trick. While obviously equally wonderful, to some of us the story and history adds that little something extra 🙂 .

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Racing Japan 3750.40.00

 

Apollo 11 at Monochrome-Watches.com

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the moonlanding, our friends over at Monochrome-Watches.com did a nice write-up on the Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary. A must-read with pictures supplied by SpeedyWatches.com!

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” These words from Neil Armstrong still resonate in the heart of everyone on earth, even 45 years after the Apollo 11 team landed on the Moon. Of course, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins had tons of the best equipment with them but the one that clearly appeals most to us is the small, rudimentary, basic, old-fashioned mechanical Omega Speedmaster strapped onto each of their wrists. Omega can be proud of this history; and to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11, they introduced a new limited edition of the Speedmaster Professional. Today’s photos, made by our friends at SpeedyWatches, makes a perfect way to celebrate this monumental milestone in men’s history. 

Jump over to the Monochrome blog for the full story – Weekly Watch Photo: Omega Speedmaster to celebrate 45th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary pics

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Our friends over at Ace Jewelers recently took delivery of their first Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary reference 311.62.42.30.06.001, which gave us the opportunity to take a few up-close pictures of this BaselWorld 2014 release.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega really went all-out on this Speedmaster. Aside from the movement and the crystal, every single part is unique. The case, the caseback, the dial, hands and strap all are 100% unique to this reference. While titanium and Sedna gold might not be the obvious choices for a Speedmaster Professional, the combination works surprisingly well.

The dial of the Apollo 11 45th Anniversary is equally surprising. Completely matte grey except the lume and applied hour indexes, the contrast on the printed details comes in the form of difference in height. The dial is laser cut – material is removed around the higher parts to create the contrast in height.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

As noted so often before, this Speedy Pro is -a first- fitted with a NATO strap in brown – a subtle nod to the collectors community who have often expressed a deep love for this type of strap.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

As so much is written on this model already, we’ll stick to this and conclude this post with the technical details of this wonderful watch:

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition

  • Case: Titanium /Sedna gold
  • Strap: NATO
  • Diameter: 42mm
  • Movement: Caliber 1861
  • Misc.: limited to 1969 pieces
  • Reference number: 311.62.42.30.06.001
  • Pricing indication: Check at Authorized Dealer (please note that this watch is sold out per our latest information)
Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

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Updated: Reference Section – Special Editions

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Aventurine, Modern Racing 'TinTin', Apollo XV 40th Anniversary

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Aventurine, Modern Racing ‘TinTin’, Apollo XVII 40th Anniversary

New additions to our Special Editions Reference page: Speedmaster Professional Moonphase Aventurine, Modern Racing ‘TinTin’ and Apollo XVII Anniversary.

Full gallery available right here.

Buy at an Authorized Dealer: