Introduced in 1994 to commemorate the Apollo XI 25th anniversary of the moon landing phenomenon, the coveted Omega Speedmaster moon watch took an unusual orbit with an artisanal approach on the Speedy with the debut of the uber rare skeletonized ref. AT 345.0063 in prestigious platinum attire. The mastery of art was by reputed independent watchmaker, Armin Strom. Strom started out as an independent watchmaker. He set up his first workshop and retail store in 1967 in Burgdorf, Switzerland and soon garnered a reputation for his mastery of the art of hand-skeletonization. Strom even set an unlikely Guinness Book World Record in 1990 for creating the world’s smallest hand-skeletonized watch. Entrusted by Omega, the first skeletonized Speedmaster BA145.0053 was launched in 1992 with a limited edition of 50 pieces in yellow gold paired with leather strap or bracelet (see lot XX).

The present ref. AT345.0063 with extraordinary artistry reveals the calibre 867 with artisanal engravings the elevates the Speedmaster to another dimension. Presented in platinum with a matching platinum bracelet, the ref. AT345.0063 wears with incredible wrist presence and a heft. Designed with a rarely seen blue accent on the hands, the present model was the first platinum Speedmaster to be launched in 1994 along with its counterpart ref. AT 445.0063 with a baguette-set bezel and bracelet. Furthermore, the caseband is embellished by the engraving “Apollo XI 1969-1994” to commemorate the achievement of mankind. Presented first time in our auction, Phillips is honour to present this extremely well preserved timepiece to the dedicated Speedy fan.