Neil Armstrong‘s 18k gold OMEGA Speedmaster Professional, known as the “Tribute to Astronauts” watch will be going under the hammer next month via RR auction house.
This special edition watch (Ref. BA 145.022) was part of a series of 26 gold Speedmaster watches created by OMEGA for NASA astronauts. Armstrong’s watch, engraved with “Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, Gemini 8 – Apollo 11,” symbolizes his pioneering journey as the first man on the moon. Unique details, such as the “To mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time” engraving and its distinctive No. 17 caseback, highlight its significance within the collection.
The timepiece features an 18k gold case with a burgundy red aluminum inlay bezel and a solid gold dial marked “OM” (Or Massif). Onyx hour markers and gold-framed hands with black details enhance the watch’s sophisticated aesthetic. Powered by the Lemania-based caliber 861 movement, it boasts a ticking speed of 21,600vph and showcases fine craftsmanship with 17 jewels and a steel brake.
This historic watch stands alongside other Apollo XI commemorative 18K gold chronographs, known for their rarity and prestige in space exploration history. With an estimated value exceeding $2,000,000 USD, Armstrong’s Speedmaster is expected to attract global attention, continuing to symbolize one of humanity’s greatest achievements in space exploration.
For more information, head to the piece’s dedicated webpage on RR auction’s website. The timepiece will be auctioned live at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 17, 2025. Proceeds from the auction will benefit charitable causes selected by his son, Mark Armstrong, honoring the late astronaut’s legacy.
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