The history of this Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI
This Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI was produced in 1989 to mark the 20th anniversary of man’s first steps on the Moon, a mission during which the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch became the first watch to be worn on the lunar surface. To mark this anniversary, the brand released its chronograph in three series tailored to different markets. 2,000 numbered pieces were intended for the United States, 250 numbered pieces for Germany and 4,000 unnumbered pieces for the rest of the world. Each series is identifiable by the engraving on its case, a rare feature in the history of the Speedmaster, whose cases are usually left smooth. Our watch belongs to the American series of this Apollo XI 20th Anniversary model, reference 3590.59, registered under the code ST 345.0022.101 in the Omega archives.
Case, movement and strap of this Speedmaster
The 42 mm steel case retains the Moonwatch’s bevelled lyre lugs and bears, on the case middle at the 9 o’clock position, its serial number, engraved as one of 2,000. The domed Hesalite crystal covers a matt black dial with tritium-luminous hour markers and three recessed sub-dials for the small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters. The cream-coloured patina of the hour markers stands out clearly against the black of the dial and the white hands. The black bezel features the tachymeter scale, and the engraved caseback highlights the watch’s NASA certification for all manned space missions, surrounding the seahorse medallion. Inside, the hand-wound Calibre 861 drives the chronograph via the two pushers flanking the crown. The watch is water-resistant to 50 metres. The steel bracelet, reference 1450/808, with brushed links, fastens with an Omega Speedmaster-branded folding clasp.
Why this Omega watch
A numbered limited-edition Speedmaster combines the space history of the Moonwatch with the traceability of a closed series of 2,000 pieces. This piece features the configuration described in Omega’s archives, with the calibre 861, Hesalite crystal and the 1450/808 bracelet – the very model sought after by collectors of vintage Speedmasters. The extract from the Omega archives confirms its reference number, calibre, movement number, date of production and delivery to the United States, thereby providing unambiguous documentation of the watch. The manual winding mechanism and the absence of a date window ensure it remains simple to use, whilst the 42 mm case remains easy to read on the wrist without being overly bulky.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied with 1 Omega service box and 1 extract from the Omega archives dated October 2019, which indicates it was manufactured in February 1989. The case and strap show only slight signs of wear. The chronograph has been tested for all its functions: start, stop, reset and counters. The patina on the hour markers, which is even across the entire dial, is consistent with the watch’s age.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
