With its historical legacy as the first luxury watch to land on the surface of the moon, the OMEGA Speedmaster has grown to become one of the most recognized watches ever created. Even more recognized than the tale of the OMEGA Moonwatch is the astronaut who wore it on his wrist when first making contact, Neil Armstrong. Presenting the opportunity of a lifetime for avid watch collectors around the world, the specialists at RR Auction are proud to announce the sale of Neil Armstrong’s OMEGA Speedmaster Professional 18k Gold during its ‘Space Exploration’ auction, which sold for a jaw-dropping $2.125 million.
Offered at the gala honoring NASA’s Apollo 11 crew, this rare Speedmaster was issued as “No. 17” and engraved with Armstrong’s name and mission history. Unlike the standard steel Speedmaster Professional, this commemorative model features an 18K gold case, a burgundy bezel with the famous’ dot over ninety,’ and a solid gold dial with black onyx markers. Armstrong was known to wear the watch on special occasions, and it remains in remarkably original condition. The auction will take place live at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with bidding also available via phone.
The “Tribute to Astronauts” series was reserved for NASA pioneers, with only 26 pieces produced for living and deceased astronauts. Armstrong’s watch, in particular, stands apart from even the ultra-rare publicly available models, as it represents the very mission that cemented Omega’s place in space exploration history. The Omega Speedmaster’s legacy and role in lunar exploration are undeniable, and owning Neil Armstrong’s personal watch is as close as one can get to owning a tangible piece of the Apollo 11 mission.
Source: RR Auction
