The OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 310.20.42.50.01.001 celebrates one of humanity’s greatest achievements; the historic moon landing of July 20, 1969. As one of only 6,969 pieces produced, this exceptional chronograph honours OMEGA’s integral role in all six lunar landings with meticulous attention to detail and symbolic elements. The harmonious blend of modern watchmaking technology and faithful historical touches creates a fitting tribute to the pioneering astronauts and the legendary timepiece that accompanied them to the lunar surface.
Condition: Unworn, pre-owned condition
Includes: Complete box set, partially stickered and original purchase receipt
Guarantee: Original warranty dated 2019
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Speedmaster Apollo 11 Key Features
Lunar Mission Heritage
- Limited production of 6,969 pieces commemorating the Apollo 11 mission
- Distinctive black dial with special varnished grey and black subdials
- 18K Moonshine™ Gold accents throughout the dial and bezel
- Laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin climbing down onto the lunar surface on the caseback
- NAIAD LOCK caseback with iconic “THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN” and “ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND” quotes
- Exclusive presentation box including additional Velcro strap with black-coated cork
- Chronograph function that earned NASA’s “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” designation
Revolutionary Movement Technology
- Calibre 3861 manual-winding chronograph movement with Co-Axial escapement
- METAS-certified Master Chronometer, resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss
- Free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring for superior precision
- Advanced anti-magnetic properties ensuring reliable timekeeping in varied environments
- 50-hour power reserve for extended operational reliability
- Frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) providing smooth chronograph operation
- Rhodium-plated finish with straight Geneva waves decoration
- Evolved from the legendary Calibre 1861 that went to the moon
Distinctive Design Elements
- Classic 42mm stainless steel case with iconic twisted lugs
- Polished black ceramic [ZrO2] bezel with OMEGA Ceragold™ tachymeter scale
- 18K Moonshine™ Gold – a special pale yellow gold alloy designed to resist fading over time
- Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Applied OMEGA logo and hour markers in 18K Moonshine™ Gold
- Central chronograph seconds hand crafted in PVD-coated Moonshine Gold
- Brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet with vintage-inspired design
- Foldover clasp ensuring secure attachment to the wrist
The Omega Heritage
Since its introduction in 1957, the Speedmaster has established itself as one of the most iconic timepieces in horological history. Its selection by NASA in 1965 as the official watch for space missions cemented its legendary status, culminating in its presence during the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing. As the first watch worn on the moon, the Speedmaster earned the nickname “Moonwatch” and became forever linked with humanity’s greatest adventure. The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition honours this extraordinary heritage, celebrating the pioneering spirit that took mankind to the moon while showcasing OMEGA’s continued commitment to innovation with its Master Chronometer certification and advanced materials technology.
Perfect For
- Space exploration enthusiasts and collectors of NASA-related memorabilia
- Horological connoisseurs appreciating the historical significance of the Moonwatch
- Investors seeking limited edition timepieces with potential appreciation value
- Watch collectors focusing on significant anniversary models
- Enthusiasts of precision chronographs with advanced movement technology
- Those drawn to watches with authentic historical connections
- Admirers of mid-century design aesthetics with modern technical execution
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Calibre 3861 movement special?
The Calibre 3861 represents a significant evolution of the legendary Calibre 1861 that powered the Speedmasters worn on the moon. While maintaining the same basic architecture to preserve its historic connection, the 3861 incorporates several important advancements. Most notably, it features the Co-Axial escapement, reducing friction and improving long-term accuracy and reliability. Additionally, it includes a silicon balance spring providing exceptional resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. These enhancements, along with other refinements, allow the movement to achieve the stringent Master Chronometer certification by METAS – the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. This certification represents one of the industry’s most demanding standards, testing the complete watch for precision, magnetic resistance, water resistance, and power reserve performance.
What is Moonshine™ Gold and why is it significant?
Moonshine™ Gold is a proprietary 18K gold alloy developed by OMEGA specifically for this anniversary edition. Its distinctive pale yellow colour is inspired by the moonlight shining against the dark night sky. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this special alloy is more resistant to fading over time compared to traditional yellow gold, ensuring the watch maintains its distinctive appearance for generations. The use of Moonshine™ Gold for the bezel, hands, and applied elements creates a subtle yet luxurious contrast against the black dial, echoing the appearance of certain Apollo-era Speedmasters while adding a contemporary touch. This innovative material exemplifies OMEGA’s commitment to developing new metallurgical solutions that enhance both the beauty and durability of their timepieces.
How does this model connect to the original Moonwatch?
While incorporating modern advancements, this anniversary edition maintains faithful connections to the original Speedmaster Professional worn during the Apollo missions. The classic 42mm case with twisted lugs, the black stepped dial with triple-register layout, and the manual-winding chronograph movement all honour the original design. Special touches like the dot over ninety (DON) and dot diagonal to seventy on the tachymeter scale replicate details found on vintage models. The bracelet design draws inspiration from the reference 1039 bracelets from the period, updated with modern construction techniques for improved durability and comfort. These careful historical references ensure that while benefiting from contemporary watchmaking technology, this limited edition remains authentically connected to its illustrious predecessor that made history in 1969.
What special features are included with this Speedmaster Apollo 11 limited edition?
This commemorative Speedmaster comes in a special NASA-inspired presentation box containing several significant extras. Most notably, it includes an additional Velcro strap with black-coated cork—a thoughtful nod to the protective cork used in spacecraft heat shields. The set also contains a lunar module display stand, two mission patches, and a strap changing tool. The caseback features the NAIAD LOCK system (ensuring perfect alignment of the engraving) with a laser-engraved depiction of Buzz Aldrin descending to the lunar surface, surrounded by Neil Armstrong’s famous quote. Each watch is individually numbered out of the 6,969 pieces produced. These carefully considered details create a comprehensive collector’s set that celebrates not just the watch itself, but the historic mission it commemorates.
How does the METAS certification affect performance?
The Master Chronometer certification by METAS represents a comprehensive testing regimen that ensures exceptional performance in real-world conditions. Each watch undergoes eight rigorous tests examining chronometric precision in multiple positions and temperatures, water resistance, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and power reserve performance. For owners, this certification translates to superior reliability and accuracy in daily wear, regardless of the environmental challenges the watch may encounter. The anti-magnetic properties are particularly valuable in our modern world filled with electronic devices that can affect traditional mechanical watches. This certification demonstrates OMEGA’s commitment to creating not just historically significant timepieces, but technically superior instruments that meet the demands of contemporary life.
How collectable is this Speedmaster Apollo 11 limited edition likely to be?
With only 6,969 pieces produced worldwide (a number chosen to reference the year of the moon landing), this 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 310.20.42.50.01.001 represents a relatively small production run for such a significant commemorative model. The combination of its connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements, the milestone anniversary it celebrates, the technical advancements it incorporates, and the thoughtful design details throughout suggest strong long-term collectability. Limited editions of iconic models like the Speedmaster typically attract particular interest from collectors, especially those marking important anniversaries of historic events. Additionally, the unworn condition of this example, complete with its original packaging and warranty, further enhances its desirability for serious collectors seeking pristine examples of historically significant timepieces.
