1969: John F. Kennedy’s promise finally came to life. In the night of July 21st, 1969, two NASA astronauts became the first men to set foot on the surface of a celestial body. One of the greatest technological successes for all of humanity. And Omega was there – the professional Speed model, chosen by Buzz himself, went with him to the moon and provided a reliable backup for the spaceship’s electric clock system in the meantime. By walking on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin rose to the challenge set forth by the Apollo 11 mission. Now, in 2014, the moon landing is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Just for the occasion, Omega conceived a model that will ravish connoisseurs and amateurs alike: the Moonwatch Professional “Apollo 11”.
By echoing the colors of the moon as well as Apollo 11’s lunar and command modules, the Swiss workshops have created a timepiece equipped with a titanium casing, offering both solidity and elasticity. On top of 42 mm of grey satin finish, the dial also boasts a touch of gold, like a ray of spatial and solar light. The bolted background is stamped with a seahorse, Omega’s emblem; as for the exterior circle, it contains the black engravings “Flight qualified by NASA for all manned space missions”, “The first watch worn on the moon”, and “Apollo 11, 45th Anniversary, Limited Edition, 0000/1969”. Only 1969 copies exist. The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11, 45th anniversary limited edition, distinguishes itself first and foremost with its fabric periphery inspired by Nato bracelets. These bracelets were invented for the British Minister of Defence in the early 70s; the Omega version revisits its comfort in a high quality material that, paired with a new design, augments the exceptionality of this watch that walked on the moon. Until its release on July 21st, Omega is taking a step back in time with an exhibit, “Speedmaster, from 1957 until today…”, or the genealogy of a star watch. Catch it until July 12th at 12 Rue de Sèvres, in Paris’ 7th arrondissement.
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