On the 15th of July 1975, the historical Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) marked the first crewed international space mission cooperatively carried out by the United States and Soviet Union. Two days later, on July 17th, the mission resulted in a successful docking of the American Apollo with a Soviet Union Soyuz capsule. Not only was this considered to be an important and memorable moment for space reconnaissance but also considered internationally as marking the end of the "Space Race" commenced in 1957 with the Sputnik 1.

The success of the first international crewed mission was commemorated a year later by Omega, who issued a limited edition of 500 special Speedmasters based on the classic Speedmaster Professional 145.022 model with caliber 861 movement, such as the present watch. The dial of this limited edition series bears the mission emblem at 12 o'clock without the Speedmaster Professional inscriptions, and long hour markers. The case of the Apollo-Soyuz is also slightly different from the standard version as the chronograph pushers have a slightly larger diameter of 5.5mm rather than the usual 5mm. Consequently the case band had also to be adjusted. The exclusive Apollo-Soyuz watches were all made for the Italian market, as evidenced by flanked circled "I" on its caseback. The limited series of Speedmaster utilizes a cal.861 and have case numbers ranging between 39.180.xx and 39.181.xx.

Instantly recognizable among collectors, the Apollo-Soyuz Speedmaster is the second limited edition ever released by Omega. Preserved in great overall condition, the present lot is not only the actual example featured in the Omega Watches by John Goldberger, it is also a remarkable opportunity for the collector of historical important and rare vintage pieces.