Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 145.022
    Movement No: 28’420’784
    Case No: No. 626
    Model Name: Speedmaster, Apollo XI 1969 - Tribute to Astronauts
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 861, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Omega link bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold deployant clasp, stamped 1116/548
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet signed, case with limited edition number 626
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega International Guarantee dated February 6, 1971 sold to Mr. A. W. O’Rourke, Wallace Bishop Watchmakers and Jewellers Brisbane, original sales invoice dated February 6th, 1971 from Wallace Bishop, Speedmaster Crater Presentation box, red Omega service box, bezel, pushers and crown parts.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fifty years ago on July 20th, 1969 one of man’s greatest feats was achieved with the landing of the Apollo 11 lunar module on the surface of the moon. Ever since President John F. Kennedy announced on May 25, 1961 that the United States “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth” there had been a space race and through hard work, dedication and excellence Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men on the moon, and with them the Omega Speedmaster Professional became “the first watch worn on the moon”.

    The reference 145.022 in yellow gold chronograph was released following this historical event as a commemoration of this accomplishment. Omega produced 1014 examples with the first and second examples offered to the President and Vice-President of the United States, however they were declined due to compliance reasons. The group up to watch number 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 626, featured an engraved back reading “Omega Speedmaster-Apollo XI 1969-The First Watch Worn on the Moon”. The 145.022 has a strong appeal with gold dial, onyx numerals and burgundy bezel.

    The present lot is offered in excellent over all condition and is enhanced by the addition not only of the international guarantee and original invoice but the very rare lunar scape Crater presentation box with bezel, pushers and crown parts. Few have surfaced and it is said to be rarer than the actual watch itself. The watch is confirmed by the manufacturer and was sold to the Australian market on December 16, 1969. For collectors of history and exceptional timepieces, the reference 145.022 is an ideal watch to own.

  • 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.

    View More Works

985

Ref. 145.022
A very fine and rare limited edition gold chronograph wristwatch with burgundy bezel, Apollo XI engraved case back and bracelet, with original International guarantee, original bill of sales and Crater presentation box

1969
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet signed, case with limited edition number 626

Estimate
HK$195,000 - 350,000 
€22,200-39,900
$25,000-44,900

Sold for HK$500,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019