The Omega Speedmaster Apollo watches, a series of limited edition timepieces, stand as a testament to a historic collaboration between horology and space exploration. Each of these watches, unique in design and features, honors the remarkable journey of NASA’s Apollo missions, symbolizing an era where human ambition leapt beyond Earth’s confines.
These timepieces are not just instruments of timekeeping but emblems of human achievement, reflecting Omega’s unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and the spirit of adventure. As we delve into their history and design, these watches reveal stories of mankind’s quest beyond the stars, and Omega’s integral role in that journey.
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A Brief History of Omega Speedmaster Apollo Missions Watches
The Omega Speedmaster’s legacy, intimately linked with NASA’s Apollo missions, epitomizes a fusion of horological innovation and space exploration. Beginning in 1969, Omega released a series of 18k yellow gold Speedmaster Professional watches, limited to 1,014 pieces, to commemorate the Apollo XI mission and its historic moon landing. This edition marked a significant moment in watchmaking and space history, being the first watch on the moon.
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In the following decades, Omega continued to celebrate this historic event with limited editions, including a 1979 series in white and yellow gold for the 10th anniversary, and the 1989 Speedmaster Apollo XI Anniversary Editions, which expanded its reach to a broader audience.
1997 introduced the first Apollo 17 dedicated watch, a part of the special white Mission Cases. These limited editions, released periodically, often align with the Apollo missions’ 5-year anniversaries, celebrating human space exploration and inspiring a starward gaze in future generations.
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Top 5 Omega Speedmaster Apollo Mission Watches
The Apollo edition Omega Speedmaster watches hold a special place in the hearts of both watch and space exploration enthusiasts. Highly sought after, these timepieces epitomize Omega’s integral role in the NASA Apollo missions. Each watch in this esteemed collection is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to precision, durability, and design excellence, making them much more than mere timekeepers; they are enduring symbols of a remarkable era in human history.
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Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary 310.20.42.50.01.001
The first watch on our list was introduced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, which marked humanity’s first landing on the moon in 1969. This mission solidified Omega Speedmaster’s reputation as the “Moonwatch,” as it was worn by the astronauts during this historic event.
Unique Features
Design: This edition features a 42mm stainless steel case with a polished Moonshine™ gold bezel. The watch’s design pays homage to the original Speedmaster BA145.022.
Dial: The dial is a step from the traditional design, featuring a black dial with unique hour markers and hands coated with vintage Super-LumiNova.
Movement: It is powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a manual-winding movement that offers high resistance to magnetic fields.
Special Engravings: The case back is adorned with inscriptions and a footprint pattern, commemorating the lunar landing, alongside Neil Armstrong’s famous quote.
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Omega Speedmaster Apollo Soyuz Meteorite Dial 311.30.42.30.99.001
This edition was created to honor the historic Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The 1975 mission marked the first international spaceflight, bringing together American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts during the Cold War era. This watch celebrates this significant event in space collaboration and diplomacy.
Unique Features
Design: The watch features a distinct 42mm stainless steel case. Its standout element is the dial, crafted from an actual meteorite, symbolizing the celestial connection.
Dial: The meteorite dial is unique to each piece, displaying a one-of-a-kind Widmanstätten pattern – the natural crystalline structure of iron and nickel found in meteorites.
Movement: It houses the Omega Calibre 1861, a manual-winding chronograph movement, known for its robustness and history with space missions.
Engravings and Emblems: The case back is engraved with the mission’s emblem and the names of the astronauts and cosmonauts involved in the mission.
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Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo 17 45th Anniversary 311.30.42.30.03.001
This timepiece was released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission. This mission, which took place in 1972, holds historical significance as the final manned lunar landing mission of NASA’s Apollo program. The watch serves as a tribute to this significant milestone in space exploration.
Unique Features
Design: The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case. It distinguishes itself with a unique blue dial, representing the lunar surface.
Dial: The dial is notable for its artistic depiction of the Apollo 17 mission badge, showcasing an image of the Greek god Apollo and the American eagle. This design element adds a significant aesthetic and commemorative value.
Movement: It is powered by the Omega Calibre 1861, a manual-winding chronograph movement that has been a mainstay in the Omega Speedmaster professional models.
Special Engravings: The case back is embellished with engravings that commemorate the Apollo 17 mission, including the mission date and the distinction of being the “Last Man on the Moon” mission.
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Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Titanium Moonwatch 311.62.42.30.06.001
This particular reference was launched to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. This mission, renowned for the first manned moon landing in 1969, remains one of the most iconic moments in space history. The watch is a tribute to this groundbreaking achievement and Omega’s role as their official timekeeper.
Unique Features
Design: This watch stands out with its 42mm case made of titanium, a material known for its strength and lightness. It offers a modern twist to the classic Speedmaster design.
Dial: The dial is crafted from a unique grey color, inspired by the lunar dust. It also features golden elements, adding to its distinctive look.
Movement: It is equipped with the Omega Calibre 1861, the legendary manual-winding chronograph movement celebrated for its reliability in space conditions.
Innovative Material: One of the most notable features is the use of Sedna™ gold for the bezel, hands, indices, and clasp, a proprietary alloy that combines gold, copper, and palladium for a long-lasting rose gold hue.
Special Details: The case back includes an engraving of the Apollo 11 mission patch and inscriptions related to the mission, adding to its collectible value.
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Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Moonshine Gold 310.60.42.50.99.001
This watch was introduced to celebrate the half-century mark of the Apollo 11 mission, the landmark event of the first human moon landing in 1969. This edition is a luxurious homage to the original Speedmaster BA145.022, which was also crafted in gold to commemorate the same mission.
Unique Features
Design: The watch boasts a 42mm case made from Omega’s exclusive Moonshine™ gold, an 18K yellow gold alloy that offers a paler hue than traditional yellow gold and higher resistance to fading over time.
Dial: The dial is made from polished black onyx, with hour markers and hands in Moonshine™ gold. This choice of materials gives the watch a sleek, elegant look.
Movement: It is powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a manual-winding movement that is a contemporary upgrade with enhanced anti-magnetic properties.
Special Engravings: The case back is adorned with a range of engravings, including the Apollo 11 mission patch, and various inscriptions that pay tribute to the mission.
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Final Thoughts
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo Mission watches stand as more than mere timekeepers; they are emblematic of human ingenuity and the audacious spirit of space exploration. Each model in this series embodies Omega’s legacy in precision and design, making them coveted pieces for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
SwissWatchExpo offers a gateway to these historical timepieces, where each watch, from the Moonshine Gold to the Apollo Soyuz with its meteorite dial, is a testament to the extraordinary journey of mankind beyond the stars. These watches are not just tools to measure time; they are enduring symbols of our celestial aspirations.
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