
Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
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Sold for £62,562.50 inc. premium
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Global Head

Head of Department
Produced in the momentous year of 1969, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was released in 18k yellow gold as a limited edition to commemorate Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's successful moonwalk during the Apollo 11 mission on the 21st of July 1969. After outperforming two other watches under rigorous testing and extreme, harsh conditions, NASA certified the Omega Speedmaster Professional to accompany the Apollo 11 astronauts, becoming the first watch to be worn on the moon.
Subsequently known as the "Moon Watch", the Omega Ref.145.022 Speedmaster Professional was produced in a limited edition of 1,014 pieces in 18k yellow gold that were first presented at a banquet held in Houston on 25th November 1969. The first two watches (No. 1 & 2) were first offered to the President and Vice-President of the United States, who politely declined the gift and these two watches are now housed in the Omega Museum. Various astronauts and NASA-affiliated persons received limited edition numbers 3 to 32 (and 1001 to 1014 at a subsequent date) engraved with their respective names. Numbers 33 to 1000 were offered for sale to the public and were inscribed "The First Watch Worn on the Moon."
The present example of the commemorative gold Omega Speedmaster Professional, numbered 296, is in excellent condition and is an incredible rarity for any astute collector of vintage timepieces. Characterized by its burgundy bezel, gold dial, onyx markers and brushed gold bracelet, the present lot has been exceptionally preserved.