OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch (310.20.42.50.01.001)

Few wristwatches enjoy a legacy like Omega’s Speedmaster. Its time on the wrists of Apollo 11’s crew during the first mission to the moon in 1969 cemented the now legendary ‘Speedy’ as one of history’s most beloved chronographs. Hand-picked by NASA for its functional prowess and durability in an airless environment, the Speedmaster rapidly transcended from an aerospace tool to a design classic. The Speedmaster remains a staple of Omega’s current catalogue - one of the many great sports chronographs of the ‘60s and ‘70s to dictate designs in the current watch market. To commemorate 50 years since the moon landing, there was an inevitable pressure on Omega to produce something extraordinary. While known for its many limited iterations, this version of the Moonwatch was special in a way we've never seen before. Firstly, the presentation of this watch is unmatched. Within a NASA Astronaut-inspired case is the watch perched on a fantastic Lunar module stand - an ingenious way of presenting the watch off the wrist. In-keeping with many special edition Speedmasters, this model is accompanied by a wealth of exciting accessories including an alternate strap made from a blackened cork material. The watch itself includes a 42 mm case in stainless steel with an 18ct Moonshine™ Gold bezel. Around the circumference of the dial is a polished black ceramic bezel ring with an OMEGA Ceragold™ tachymeter scale. Its varnished grey and black dial contrasts beautifully with the hands in 18K Moonshine™ Gold. A unique hour marker is positioned at 11 o'clock to honour the Apollo 11 crew, and there is a distinctive 9 o'clock subdial in 18K Moonshine™ Gold with a laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin climbing down onto the lunar surface. The case back of the watch depicts a laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin’s footprint with the quote: "THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN" and "ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND". Importantly the bracelet and case construction of this watch takes direct inspiration from the 4th Generation Speedmaster. One of the best re-imaginings of the Speedmaster, the 50th Anniversary Apollo 11 is the perfect way to celebrate one of humanity's greatest achievements. A phenomenal watch only enhanced by the pure theatre of its presentation. Produced in a limited quanity of 6,969 pieces, this examples arrived with us directly from the retailer with stickers on and the guarantee unsigned. It retains all original packaging elements, paperwork and accessories.