The limited edition Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Anniversary watch has already caught our attention in recent weeks, gaining a brief mention in our Omega at Baselworld blog, but such an exciting new timepiece is clearly worthy of a far more focused study than the fleeting coverage we have given it thus far. Omega has a long and proud history when it comes to watches themed around humanity’s expeditions to the moon, and this newest limited edition is commemorative of the pioneering feat in this area.
Apollo 11 was the revolutionary spaceflight that led to the first humans setting foot upon the moon itself. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were both there to record mankind’s initial footfalls on the lunar surface, and, remarkably, an Omega Speedmaster was also there to witness this most prominent of moments. The Speedmaster thus became the only watch to actually be worn on the moon, and has naturally retained this title ever since. As a result, the name of ‘Moonwatch’ became rather synonymous with the range of Omega watches that were subsequently released in honour of this occasion, and the Speedmaster to feature in this blog has been unveiled to coincide with the 45th anniversary of this historic 1969 landing.
The Apollo 11 Anniversary watch has been coloured to echo both the hues of the moon and the actual materials that were evident upon the lunar command module; the last part of the spacecraft where Armstrong and Aldrin passed through before they reached the moon. The 42 mm case of the Apollo 11 timepiece is fashioned from brushed grade 2 titanium, and this sleek form certainly does bear a startlingly vivid resemblance to the surface of the lunar plain, as well as the landing module itself. The dark grey PVD dial boasts discrete gold elements, and the similitude of the chronograph sub-dials to lunar craters is surely more than mere coincidence. A three dimensional effect has been enabled by the use of a precision laser to remove select expanses of material, so the entire aesthetic is undeniably distinct.
The aforementioned gold is not all completely uniform, as the indices and hands have been created out of a subtle rose gold, while the bezel makes use of Sedna gold; Omega’s particularly striking trademark 18 carat rose gold alloy. Just as much of a signature feature is the tachymeter black ceramic scale of the bezel, as this is an omnipresent adornment that has become inextricably linked with the Speedmaster brand name. The Apollo 11 watch has a screw in caseback that proudly displays both Omega’s emblematic seahorse and an engraving relating to the Apollo 11 landings, and even the strap has been lavished with all relevant care and attention. Utilising NATO fabric in its design, this high quality fastening is proclaimed as offering exceptional comfort to the wearer.
As an affectionate nod to the history of the Speedmaster Professional range, all such timepieces are fitted with an 1861 manual-winding movement, and the new Apollo 11 watch is no different. This chronograph movement is the twin of the mechanism that saw active use in the 1969 exploit, and no other movement could therefore be more suited for the anniversary model. Despite being somewhat vintage in nature, it is guaranteed for a minimum timeframe of two years, and also comes equipped with a commendable water resistance, so it is ideally balanced to satisfy both lovers of traditional movements and aficionados of more modern capabilities.
Rather fittingly, the limited edition Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Anniversary watch is restricted to just 1,969 individually numbered pieces, and each lies within an authentic presentation box (complete with verification) to represent a consummate collector’s timepiece. Here at Banks Lyon, we’re delighted to be expecting this tremendous chronograph in our stock over the summer of 2014, and it is definitely not too soon to register your interest to avoid disappointment nearer the time. We also have a broad range of other Omega Speedmaster watches as well, in addition to an unmatched collection of more wide-ranging Omega watches, so almost any Omega timepiece you desire can be found at Banks Lyon. Call us now on 01524 38 48 58 to receive more information.
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