Omega’s legacy in space exploration is legendary, and the brand continues to celebrate its deep-rooted connection to the moon with an array of space-inspired timepieces. Now, collectors and enthusiasts have an extraordinary opportunity to own a tangible piece of that history: an 18-karat gold Omega Speedmaster once owned by Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the lunar surface. This historic timepiece, known as the “Tribute to Astronauts,” is currently up for auction, with bidding open until April 17th.
While this Speedmaster was not worn on the Apollo 11 mission, its provenance and significance make it one of the most sought-after Omega watches to ever hit the market. This special model was presented to Armstrong at a prestigious gala dinner held at Houston’s Hotel Warwick, an event organised to honor NASA’s moon-landing astronauts.
Only 28 examples of this gold Speedmaster were produced by Omega, making it a true collector’s item. The first two were allocated to President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, while the remaining 26 were gifted to NASA astronauts who played a role in the Apollo missions.
The watch stands as a testament to Omega’s long-standing relationship with NASA and the role the Speedmaster played in human spaceflight. Omega’s watches were the only timepieces certified by NASA for space missions, earning the Speedmaster its status as the “Moonwatch.” The Tribute to Astronauts edition takes that legacy even further, serving as both a commemorative piece and a personal artifact tied to the most famous astronaut in history.
What makes this particular Speedmaster even more remarkable is the level of personalisation and detailing that Omega incorporated into its design. Each of these exclusive timepieces was uniquely engraved with the astronaut’s name, mission details, and a flight number, marking their individual journeys into space. Armstrong’s watch features the number “17,” a reference to his historic Apollo 11 flight in July 1969.
These personalised touches elevate the watch beyond a luxury timepiece - it is a historical artifact that tells the story of one of mankind’s most defining moments. Mark Armstrong, Neil Armstrong’s son, has spoken about the watch’s sentimental value, highlighting that his father wore it on special occasions. More than just a piece of fine craftsmanship, the watch symbolised one of the greatest human achievements of the 20th century. In keeping with Armstrong’s spirit of exploration and generosity, a significant portion of the auction’s proceeds will go toward charitable causes that were important to him, ensuring his legacy extends far beyond space exploration.
In terms of design, the watch is a masterpiece in its own right. As Omega’s first-ever gold Speedmaster, it carries a unique historical significance in the brand’s catalogue. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case is crafted from solid 18-karat yellow gold, giving it a striking, luxurious presence on the wrist. The dial is equally impressive, featuring onyx hour markers set in gold frames, which contrast beautifully against the warm golden backdrop. The watch also features a burgundy red aluminum inlay on the bezel, a distinct design element that enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
Inside the case, the watch is powered by the Lemania-based calibre 861, a manually wound chronograph movement that played a crucial role in Omega’s history. Unlike modern Omega movements that feature the Co-Axial escapement, this historic calibre boasts a copper-coloured finish and a steel brake, hallmarks of the era’s finest chronograph engineering. The movement’s reliability and precision were instrumental in NASA’s decision to use Omega watches during space missions, and this piece remains a shining example of that excellence.
Despite being more than five decades old, the watch remains in remarkably good condition. The auction house describes it as being in “very good cosmetic condition,” noting minor scuffs on the bezel and some scratches on the caseback. Importantly, the watch appears to have never been polished or restored, meaning it retains its original factory finish - a crucial detail for collectors who value authenticity.
Image: Bosshunting/RR Auction
In 2019, Omega celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with the Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Moonshine Gold, a tribute to the original 1969 gold Speedmaster gifted to NASA astronauts. Limited to 1,014 pieces, it introduced Moonshine Gold, a paler, fade-resistant gold alloy inspired by moonlight.
The 42mm case retains the classic Speedmaster design, featuring a burgundy ceramic bezel with Ceragold tachymeter and a brushed moonshine Gold dial with black onyx hour markers. A subtle “11” at 11 o’clock nods to Apollo 11. Inside, Omega upgraded the movement to the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861, offering superior precision and magnetic resistance.
The caseback showcases an engraving of Buzz Aldrin’s descent onto the moon, with the inscription “50th Anniversary / The First Watch Worn on the Moon.” Blending history with modern innovation, this limited edition remains a highly coveted collector’s piece, honoring Omega’s legendary space heritage.
BQ Ref: 50313
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