“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” As the American astronaut Neil Armstrong sets his left foot on the lunar surface, these famous words were transmitted back to earth to eager Americans on July 20th, 1969. The reference 145.022 in yellow gold chronograph was released following this historical event as a commemoration of this accomplishment of mankind. With only 1,014 examples produced by Omega, the first and second examples were offered to the President and Vice-President of the United States. Number 3 to 32 were offered to mission astronauts and they were engraved “To mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time”. The remaining watches were sold to the general public and like the present example number 827, featured an engraved back reading “Omega Speedmaster-Apollo XI 1969-The First Watch Worn on the Moon”.

The 18K yellow gold edition with a rare burgundy DON bezel has a grand appeal and heightens the importance of this historical event. Housed in this extraordinary piece is the 861 calibre that was approved by NASA for space missions.

Omega reissued a 50th anniversary 18K moonshine gold limited edition with sapphire case back in 2019 as a tribute to this cool legacy Moonwatch The present lot is well preserved in excellent overall condition and retaining all of its crisp edges and engravings. This is an exceptional original historical timepiece and rare opportunity for Speedmaster collectors to add to their collection.