Up for grabs is an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
Reference BA 145.022-69 in solid 18kt gold
Made by Omega as a tribute to astronauts of the 1969 Apollo XI mission this was the first Omega watch officially numbered and limited. Altogether, 1014 exampled were made. Number 1 and 2 were given by Omega to the President and Vice President of United States. Numbers 3 to 28 were given to the astronauts at banquet in Houston on November 25, 1969. Watches numbered 29 to 32 were given to Swiss politicians and watch-industry leaders. Watches numbered 33-1000 were sold to public and had a different caseback engraving (and within those, 3 different variants) than those personally engraved for the astronauts. Speedmasters numbered 1001 to 1008 were given to astronauts of Apollo missions 14 to 17. Finally, watches 1009 to 1014 were given out to various personalities.
The current example I have for sale is number 902. According to the Omega Extract of Archives this watch was produced in April of 1970 and sold on the Mexican market. This aligns with the provenance of this watch. It is a newly discovered example, purchased from the original owner’s family with the grandson being a point of contact. We can also see the South American made Omega bracelet as well as the first owner’s name inscribed on outside of the clasp. The bracelet shows a lot of stretch as the watch was almost daily worn, but decided to leave it alone and present it as found instead of retightening it or removing the engraving. This is something the next owner can always do, but can never be undone and in my opinion carries a much better story.
The watch itself remains in well preserved condition. I had the guys over at LA Watchworks redefine the finishes on the case by doing a polish on it. Beau did an incredible job as always and the watch looks very crisp with defined brushed finish on sides.
The bezel is original, wine red without much wear and tear. Most of these are found with peeling and dents, but this one has survived through time well.
The crystal remains original Omega hesalite with skinny logo in center.
The dial is also original, with round O in Omega. Period correct for late production. Original black hands.
Very well preserved caseback with full coloring still in. I added a clear sticker over it to help preserve it in future. Inside it correctly stamped 145022 69.
Original golden dust cover.
Original movement which has been confirmed by Omega Archives with matching numbers.