Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary hand-wound 42 mm Full Set 2019

The Story

On July 21, 1969, at 02:56 UTC, Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface. Moments later, Buzz Aldrin joined him. On their wrists was a watch that would become legendary: the OMEGA Speedmaster. This historic moment forever inscribed the Moonwatch into the history of humankind, making it the first watch worn on the Moon.

Although the Speedmaster was not originally designed for space exploration, its destiny changed in the early 1960s. At the time, NASA astronauts were not issued official watches and instead purchased their own timepieces. When NASA decided to test various chronographs for manned spaceflight, the Speedmaster was subjected to a series of extreme trials: shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, vacuum, and humidity. It was the only watch to successfully pass every single test — without OMEGA even being informed of the evaluation process.

In 1965, the Speedmaster was officially qualified for manned space missions. Four years later, during the Apollo 11 mission, it entered the realm of legend forever. Since then, it has accompanied six lunar missions and has become a universal symbol of exploration, precision, and reliability.

In 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of this historic achievement, OMEGA chose to commemorate the event with a major anniversary edition. Following an initial Moonshine™ gold version inspired by the iconic Speedmaster BA145.022 — presented to astronauts and dignitaries from 1969 onward — the brand unveiled a second interpretation: the Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary in steel, reference 310.20.42.50.01.001.

More accessible yet equally symbolic, this version is far more than a stylistic exercise. It represents a pivotal moment for OMEGA: celebrating half a century of lunar history while asserting the technical evolution of the Moonwatch. Limited to 6,969 pieces — a direct nod to the year 1969 — this Speedmaster was immediately recognized upon release as a true collector’s piece, designed to stand the test of time, just like the event it commemorates.

At the crossroads of space history, watchmaking culture, and contemporary innovation, the steel Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary is not merely a tribute. It is a milestone in the great Moonwatch saga, already conscious of its place in history.

The Model

With the Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary ref. 310.20.42.50.01.001, OMEGA presents an interpretation that is both faithful to the Moonwatch DNA and decidedly modern. While the overall silhouette remains instantly recognizable — a 42 mm asymmetric case, lyre lugs, straight pushers, and signed crown — every detail has been carefully reworked to make this edition a true commemorative timepiece.

The case is crafted in stainless steel, true to the utilitarian spirit of the Speedmaster Professional, yet distinguished by a polished 18K Moonshine™ gold bezel. This exclusive alloy, developed by OMEGA, offers a softer, paler hue than traditional yellow gold while ensuring excellent long-term color stability. The bezel insert, made of polished black ceramic [ZrO₂], features a Ceragold™ tachymeter scale, combining durability, legibility, and refinement. Enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of the famous “Dot over 90,” a sought-after nod to vintage Speedmaster bezels.

The dial is one of the standout features of this edition. It adopts a “step dial” construction, with a varnished grey center and a black outer ring dedicated to the minute track, creating subtle visual depth and elegance. The applied hour markers, vintage OMEGA logo, and hands are all executed in 18K Moonshine™ gold. The result is a sophisticated yet highly legible contrast — far from a classic Moonwatch, yet perfectly coherent with the commemorative nature of the model.

Two emblematic details firmly anchor this Speedmaster in Apollo 11 history. At 11 o’clock, the hour marker is replaced by two Moonshine™ gold “1” numerals, directly referencing the mission number. At 9 o’clock, the small seconds subdial in 18K Moonshine™ gold features a laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin descending the ladder of the Lunar Module — an iconic scene rendered with remarkable finesse and best appreciated under magnification.

The caseback is equally striking. Secured with OMEGA’s NAIAD LOCK system, it reveals, beneath a sapphire crystal, a blackened textured surface evoking the lunar ground. At its center appears the laser-engraved footprint left by Buzz Aldrin, highlighted in Moonshine™ gold. Surrounding it is Neil Armstrong’s legendary quote:
“THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND.”
The individual limited-edition number is also engraved on the caseback, reinforcing the exclusivity of the piece.

Mechanically, this Speedmaster represents a key milestone in the evolution of the Moonwatch. It is powered by the OMEGA calibre 3861, a hand-wound chronograph certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS. The direct successor to the legendary calibre 1861, it retains the same architecture and spirit while incorporating modern technical advancements: Co-Axial escapement, silicon balance spring, hacking seconds, resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, and accuracy rated between 0 and +5 seconds per day. The movement offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, preserving the traditional rhythm of the Speedmaster.

The watch is fitted with a stainless-steel “Flat-Link” bracelet inspired by the one worn on the Speedmaster ST 105.012-65 — the reference present during the lunar missions. Thinner, with alternating polished and brushed surfaces, it strengthens the connection to historic models while enhancing wearing comfort. An additional Velcro® strap covered in blackened cork — a tribute to the thermal protection materials used on Apollo modules — is also included.

Both a tribute, a technical achievement, and a collector’s object, this steel Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary perfectly embodies OMEGA’s vision: honoring history without freezing the Moonwatch in the past, allowing it to evolve with its time while respecting its mythical status.

The Package

This OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary ref. 310.20.42.50.01.001 is offered as a Full Set, housed in its impressive white NASA-style presentation box — now inseparable from this limited edition and particularly sought after by collectors.

Spectacular in both size and presentation, the case contains all original elements supplied by OMEGA. The watch is displayed on a Lunar Module-shaped stand, a true collector’s item in its own right, directly referencing the Apollo 11 Lunar Module. The set also includes the Apollo 11 and 50th Anniversary mission patches, as well as engraved plates indicating the historic landing date, time, and location.

The full set is completed by the Velcro® strap with blackened cork covering, a direct homage to the thermal protection materials used on Apollo spacecraft during launch, along with the strap-changing tool. This example also includes a brand-new NATO strap, further enhancing the versatility and “instrument watch” spirit of this commemorative Speedmaster.

The watch is accompanied by its OMEGA warranty card dated 2019. It benefited from a full OMEGA service in January 2025, granting it a manufacturer’s warranty valid until 2027 — a highly reassuring factor for a collector’s piece of this stature.

Prior to sale, the watch also passed through our workshops for a complete inspection and a careful refresh of the bracelet, ensuring flawless aesthetic and functional condition while fully respecting the integrity of the timepiece.

Combining a complete original set, a clear provenance, recent OMEGA servicing, and excellent overall condition, this Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary ticks every box of a major collector’s watch. An iconic timepiece, already part of history, ready to join a discerning collection — or to become its centerpiece.