On July 21, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft successfully completed mankind’s first mission to land on the moon. Aboard the aircraft were NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins, and along with them was a faithful and reliable companion: the Omega Speedmaster.
As Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon to collect lunar samples and conduct experiments, strapped to his spacesuit on a velcro strap was the Omega Speedmaster ref ST 105.012, making it the first ever watch on the moon, and the original MoonWatch.
More than 50 years later, the Omega Speedmaster remains inextricably linked to space exploration, and the legend himself, Buzz Aldrin. We spotted not one, but three Omega Speedmasters on Buzz as he celebrated the moon landing’s anniversary this year. Check them out:
He got three watches on because he went to the moon. If y'all don't understand moonman drip just say that https://t.co/fumoARmUDF
— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) July 17, 2023
Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition on Buzz Aldrin
Especially apt for the occasion, Buzz wore the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Speedmaster. This limited edition of 6,969 pieces features the Speedy’s classic steel body and three register layout, with clever allusions to the first lunar landing.
Look closely: there’s a prominent number 11 at the 11 o’clock marker. On the sub-dial at 9 o’clock, laser engraved in gold, is a rendering of Buzz Aldrin stepping onto the lunar surface.
On the caseback is Buzz Aldrin’s laser engraved foot print on the moon’s surface, and a gold engraving of Neil Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (photos: Omega)
The bezel ring is polished black ceramic with Omega Ceragold™ tachymeter scale markings. Lending a touch of luxury, the bezel ring, indexes, Omega logo, and hands were rendered in MoonShine Gold™, Omega’s exclusive yellow gold alloy which has a paler shade and greater resistance to fading.
<>
Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Titanium Men’s Watch on Buzz Aldrin
He also wore two different editions of the Skywalker X-33, an extenstion of the Omega Speedmaster range made especially for space explorers. Featuring a variety of special functions displayed digitally, it makes reading and measuring time a breeze while in flight.
It can display three different time zones, has chronograph and countdown functions, a perpetual calendar, and three alarm options. On top of its analog displays, it can also track mission elapsed time and phase elapsed time.
Wishing everyone a fantastic Labor Day holiday! For those who put in the long hours, always drive hard towards an objective, and stay laser-focused on the tasks necessary for success, this day is for you. I hope you all have a great and relaxing day off – you’ve earned it!! pic.twitter.com/jwNjXCd1N3
— Dr. Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) September 4, 2023
The first model he wears is the Titanium edition with a black background, grey dial elements, and green Super-Luminova display, offering exceptional visibility in low light conditions.
<>
Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Titanium Marstimer Chronograph
The second model is the X-33 Marstimer, which tracks time both on Earth and on Mars. Accounting for the fact that a day on Mars is 39 minutes longer than on Earth, this watch displays the “Mars Time” when the planet’s symbol is lit up. It also features an ingenious solar compass, which shows the true North on Earth and Mars. (photos: Omega)
#SundayFunday … I always enjoying taking a stroll down memory lane when signing #Apollo11 items for our store. https://t.co/1paQvfwPc5 pic.twitter.com/6udLLs9M7G
— Dr. Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) February 20, 2022
Cased in grade 2 titanium and with 45mm cases, both Skywalker models are fit for any task on Earth and beyond, but they will be especially loved by space exploration enthusiasts.
For more commemorative models, limited editions, Omega watches and more, check out our vast selection of authentic, pre-owned luxury watches from the world’s best brands at SwissWatchExpo.com.
<>