Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI 40th Anniversary, ca. 2009

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  Identity

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Apollo XI 40th Anniversary Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.002, ca. 2009. Calibre 1861 manual-winding movement. Asymmetric steel case with shoulders, 42 mm diameter, signed crown. Black tachymeter bezel graduated to 500. Black matte dial, Super-LumiNova baton indexes and hands, « 02:56 GMT » inscription in red at 12 o'clock. Registers at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, the 9 o'clock register featuring an engraved silver Apollo XI medallion. Sapphire crystal. Solid case back fitted with a silver Apollo 11 medallion and the circular engraving « The First Watch Worn on the Moon — July 21, 1969 ». Steel Omega bracelet and signed folding clasp.

Horological context

The Speedmaster was launched by Omega in 1957 within its Professional line, designed for motorsport: the first wristwatch to carry its tachymeter scale on the bezel rather than the dial. A three-register chronograph driven by the calibre 321 (from 1957 to 1968), then by the calibre 861 from 1968 onwards. The asymmetric case with shoulders protecting the crown and pushers appeared in 1963 with reference 105.012 — the very one that would reach the Moon. On 1 March 1965 the Speedmaster officially became the chronograph qualified by NASA for all manned missions, after a battery of extreme tests. On 21 July 1969 it was the first watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 11, earning its Moonwatch nickname and its standing as a legendary model. The following year, during the Apollo 13 emergency, the crew used it to manually time the engine burn decisive for their return; NASA then awarded Omega its Silver Snoopy Award. Collectors distinguish the pre-Moon models, made before July 1969, from the Moonwatch proper.

Character

Limited commemorative edition (one of 7969 pieces) of the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11, produced in 2009. The red « 02:56 GMT » inscription at 12 o'clock recalls the GMT time of Neil Armstrong's first step on the Moon.

Watch serviced. Very good condition. Delivered with its original Omega box and the Contre-Temps 24-month warranty certificate.