850
Omega
Ref. 3571.50.00
Speedmaster, “Galaxy Express 999”
A fine and rare limited edition stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Galaxy Express 999” caseback inscription, bracelet, international warranty and box, numbered 608 of a limited edition of 1,999 pieces
- Estimate
- HK$24,000 - 40,000€2,700 - 4,400$3,100 - 5,100
HK$56,250
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Omega
- Year
- 1999
- Reference No
- 3571.50.00
- Movement No
- 77’020’203
- Model Name
- Speedmaster, “Galaxy Express 999”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 1861, 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Omega bracelet, endlinks stamped 840, max length 210 mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped 1998/840
- Dimensions
- 42 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, bracelet and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied with International Warranty stamped by a Japanese retailer on April 7, 2003, red Omega leather fitted presentation box, leather card holder and operating instructions
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In 1999, Omega released a limited edition series for the Japanese market in commemoration of the widely-renowned manga “Galaxy Express 999”. Created in the late 1970s by the celebrated manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, the “Galaxy Express 999” is set in a spacefaring, technologically-advanced future in which human beings could transfer their consciousness and feelings into mechanical bodies, ergo achieving practically eternal life.
The “Galaxy Express 999” won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1978, and the anime series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 1981. The only feature that discloses the present Speedmaster as a special edition is the case back inscribed with a portrait of Maetel, the female protagonist, as well as a signature of the author. In total, 1999 examples were created and delivered to the Japanese market. Adding an element of intrigue, the production number corresponds to the year of production (1999) and, of course, the ‘999’ in the title of the manga series.
The “Galaxy Express 999” won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1978, and the anime series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 1981. The only feature that discloses the present Speedmaster as a special edition is the case back inscribed with a portrait of Maetel, the female protagonist, as well as a signature of the author. In total, 1999 examples were created and delivered to the Japanese market. Adding an element of intrigue, the production number corresponds to the year of production (1999) and, of course, the ‘999’ in the title of the manga series.
Literature
Omega
Swiss | 1848Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.
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