Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1976
    Reference No: 145.022
    Movement No: 39'181'034
    Model Name: Omega Speedmaster Apollo-Soyuz
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 861, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, end links stamped 633, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega Deployant clasp stamped "1168"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production in May 3, 1976, and delivered to Italy.

  • Catalogue Essay

    On the 15th of July 1975, the historical Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) marked the first crewed international space mission cooperatively carried out by the United States and Soviet Union. Two days later, on July 17th, the mission resulted in a successful docking of the American Apollo with a Soviet Union Soyouz capsule. Not only was this considered to be an important and memorable moment for space reconnaissance but also considered internationally as marking the end of the "Space Race" commenced in 1957 with the Sputnik 1.

    The success of the first international crewed mission was commemorated a year later by Omega, who issued a limited edition of 500 special Speedmasters based on the classic Speedmaster Professional 145.022 model with caliber 861 movement, such as the present watch. The dial of this limited edition series bears the mission emblem at 12 o'clock without the Speedmaster Professional inscriptions, and long hour markers. The case of the Apollo-Soyouz is also slightly different from the standard version as the chronograph pushers have a slightly larger diameter of 5.5mm rather than the usual 5mm. Consequently the case band had also to be adjusted. The exclusive Apollo-Soyuz watches were all made for the Italian market, as evidenced by flanked circled "I" on its caseback. The limited series of Speedmaster utilizes a cal.861 and have case numbers ranging between 39.180.xx and 39.181.xx.

    Instantly recognisable among collectors, the Apollo-Soyuz Speedmaster is the second limited edition ever released by Omega. Preserved in great overall condition, the present lot is a remarkable opportunity for the collector of historical important and rare vintage pieces.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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86

Ref. 145.022
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel limited edition chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, made to commemorate the first joint crewed international space mission and released for the Italian market

1976
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,100-27,200
$21,800-32,700

Sold for CHF40,320

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021