Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: BA145.022
    Movement No: 28’422’570
    Case No: 513
    Model Name: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch De Luxe
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 861, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Omega bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Omega deployant clasp, stamped “1116/575”
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece on 11 December 1969 and its delivery to Japan.

  • Catalogue Essay

    “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” As the American astronaut Neil Armstrong sets his left foot on the lunar surface, these famous words were transmitted back to eager Americans on earth on July 20th, 1969. The reference 145.022 yellow gold chronograph was released following this historical event as a commemoration of this accomplishment of mankind. With only 1,014 examples produced by Omega, the first and second examples were offered to the President and Vice-President of the United States. Number 3 to 32 were offered to mission astronauts and they were engraved “To mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time”. The remaining watches were sold to the general public and like the present example number 513, featuring burgundy painted engraving on the caseback with “OMEGA SPEEDMASTER-APOLLO XI 1969-THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”.

    Two typographic variants can be found within its production span between 1969 until 1973. The first generation dial has a distinctive oval "O" on the OMEGA insignia, followed by the second generation with a perfect round "O" update like the present example.

    The 18K yellow gold De Luxe edition with a rare burgundy DON bezel has a grand appeal and heightens the importance of this historical event. Housed in this extraordinary piece is the 861 calibre that was approved by NASA for space missions.

    Omega reissued a 50th anniversary 18K moonshine gold limited edition with sapphire case back as a tribute to these remarkable heroes. Preserved in excellent overall condition and retaining all of its crisp edges and engravings. This is an exceptional original historical timepieces and rare opportunity for Speedmaster collectors to add to their collection.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega'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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838

Ref. BA145.022
A very fine and rare limited edition yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with burgundy bezel and bracelet, made to commemorate the Apollo XI moon landing, numbered 513 of a limited edition of 1,014 pieces

1969
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$195,000 - 315,000 
€20,800-33,700
$25,000-40,400

Sold for HK$504,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021