Omega Speedmaster BA 345.0802 'Apollo XI'

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In 1980 Omega introduced the 'Apollo XI' as a tribute to the flight re-qualification that was held by NASA in 1978 for the Space Shuttle program.The 'Apollo XI' was produced from 1980 to 1988. Probably, 300 were made in yellow gold going by the reference BA 345.0802. It was the first Speedmaster with a sapphire crystal case back. On the case back bezel it says 'First watch worn on the moon' and the serial number. Through the case back we can see the manual-winding chronograph movement caliber 861 L. The dial is yellow gold with applied black and gold hour markers and black hands without luminous material. Hence, the 'Swiss Made' at the 6-hour position, which is displayed above the minute scale (C3 type of dial).  Furthermore, it has a bezel insert based on a B2 type, which is a dot close to 70 and a narrow C. The razor-sharp example we have on offer dates back to 1982 and comes with its original box.

Introduction

Omega SpeedmasterThe Speedmasters history goes back to 1957 when it was introduced as a sports and racing chronograph. However it got picked up by NASA and soon would be known as the ‘first watch worn on the moon’. NASA devised the most demanding tests of a watch’s resistance with the aim of equipping astronauts with the most durable timepieces. The NASA selection tests were conducted from 1964 until 1965 and featured a: high temperature test, low temperature test, vacuum test, humidity test, corrosion test, shock-resistance test, acceleration test, low pressure test, high pressure tests, vibration test and sound testOmega passed all the tests and was officially certified by NASA and the whole crew of the Apollo 11 astronauts each wore a Speedmaster. However, a common misconception is that Armstrong was the first to set a foot on the moon with the Speedmaster where in fact it was actually Buzz Aldrin. Neil Armstrong decided to leave his one as a backup aboard the spacecraft.Ever since, the Speedmaster Professional is one of the most well-known watches of Omega. Omega sticks with its winning formula as the contemporary look makes it difficult to distinguish between modern and vintage pieces, it's left to some subtle differences. Now that is truly timeless.

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.