THE OMEGA SPEEDMASTER: A TRIBUTE TO ASTRONAUTS
The OMEGA SPEEDMASTER REFERENCE 145.022-69 BA is a highly significant and collectible timepiece, particularly in its rare gold edition presented to American astronauts in 1969.
Though 1,014 were produced, numbers 1–33 went to US Officials, NASA Astronauts, friends, and family. Numbers 1001–1014 went to the NASA Crews of Apollo 14 & 17 and other VIPs. These grail-level Speedmasters have become legendary among collectors.
Honoring the Moon Landing
A Commemorative Milestone
The Omega Speedmaster’s association with NASA and space exploration is legendary, but the Apollo XI 1971 edition holds particular historic significance. Following the successful moon landing in 1969, Omega released a special edition Speedmaster in 1971 to commemorate the Apollo 11 mission—the first manned lunar landing. This reference marked a transition from the pre-moon to “post-moon” era of Speedmasters, retaining the essential DNA of the earlier Moonwatch models but with subtle evolutions that reflected its increasing importance in Omega’s catalog. These pieces were powered by the robust Caliber 861 and featured the asymmetrical case with twisted lugs, a design now synonymous with the Speedmaster Professional line.
A Collector’s Trophy
The 1971 Speedmaster Today
For collectors and enthusiasts, the 1971 Apollo XI Speedmaster is more than a vintage chronograph—it’s a piece of human history. With vintage Speedmasters continuing to rise in value and attention, especially those with authentic space-era provenance, owning a 1971 Apollo XI variant is like holding a time capsule from the golden age of exploration. Whether featuring a tropical dial, original “dot over 90” bezel, or unique caseback engravings, each watch tells a story of innovation and ambition. As we look back at the legacy of the Moonwatch, the 1971 Apollo XI remains a cornerstone—both for Omega and for horology itself.