241 Omega A very refined and attractive Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 1969 reference 145.022 in 18k yellow Gold Limited Series Chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

Estimate: € 28,000 –⁠ 38,000

Sold € 44,200

Model: Speedmaster Apollo
Material: Yellow gold
Reference N°: 145.022
Year: 1969
Case N°: 145 022 69
Caliber: 861
Movement N°: 26422279
Bracelet: 18k yellow gold Omega brick-link
Dimensions: 42 mm
Accessories: papers

Omega boasts a vast history of production of absolute level timepieces: precise and elegant, its models have often been synonymous with reliability and efficiency. It is no coincidence, therefore, that NASA after numerous and complex tests to assess the quality of the object, decided to rely on the Omega Speedmaster in view of the mission that would lead Neil Armstrong to the moon. From that moment on, the Speedmaster probably became the most iconic watch to come out of Omega factories and many commemorative reissues were produced over the coming years. This very attractive yellow-gold Speedmaster is part of a limited edition created in the fall of 1969 to commemorate the day Man first walked on the moon: only 1,014, a numbered edition of 28 examples was given during a gala dinner in Houston on November 25, 1969, to the astronauts having participated at this and earlier space missions, two for the President and Vice President, and the remaining were made available for the general public to acquire. This very watch in solid 18k yellow gold with bracelet and tonneau-shaped case is part of the second version, with the engraving on the case back painted in a burgundy color with the inscription “the first watch worn on the moon”. This watch also features the second version of the dial, showing a round “O” in the OMEGA signature as opposed to the earlier version, which is more oval-shaped. The champagne dial with applied onyx baton insert, black hands and three engine-turned subsidiary dial for constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registration is well preserved such as the tachymeter scale bezel which is slightly lightening. As demonstrated by the engraving on the screw back, this watch is the number 720 and retains an exceptional and original condition that should certainly appeal to any well-established collector.