Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moon Landing History
Vintage

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moon Landing History

By ImranLondon · Mar 7, 2019 · 20 replies
ImranLondon
WPS member · Omega forum
20 replies6002 views31 photos
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Miranda commemorates the historic Apollo 11 mission, providing a vivid timeline of humanity's first lunar landing. Her post captures the awe and significance of this monumental achievement, from the Saturn V launch to Neil Armstrong's first steps. This article serves as a powerful reminder of the Omega Speedmaster's pivotal role in space exploration, cementing its legacy as the first watch worn on the moon.




On the 16 July 1969 at 13.32 UTC, a Saturn V SA-506 rocket launches from Kennedy space centre carrying the first men to walk on the moon.






The crew of Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong would make history and open a new horizon in mankind’s quest for exploration.


The mission would see the lunar module Eagle, land in the Mare Tranquilitatis on the 20 July 1969 at 20,17 UTC. 







21 July Neil Armstrong would become the first man to walk on the moon at 02.56 UTC, followed 19 minutes later by Buzz Aldrin.






The first watch on the moon – would be a an Omega Speedmaster ref 105.012- on Buzz Aldrin’s space suit. Armstrong left his watch in the LM.










A total of two and a quarter hours would be spent on the moon. The crew returned on the 24 July at 13.31 UTC, picked up by the USS Hornet. The mission lasted for 8 days and 3 hours, 18 minutes and 35 seconds.





This year we celebrate 50th anniversary of one of mankind’s greatest ever achievements.









Speedmaster were of course the chosen watch, and Neil Armstrong’s mission watch was a reference 105.012-65. Michael Collins wore a ref 145.012-67 and we know that Buzz Aldrin’s watch was a 105.012.

But which one?- well his watch was lost in transit on its way to the National Air and Space museum. So any clues?

I have had an informal response from a famous vintage Omega authorised dealer (who sent the request to Omega) it could well have been a reference 105.012-CB.

Close inspection of the pictures in my opinion seems to collaborate this view- looking at the twist of the lugs. But you can make your own mind up!

 

Neil Armstrong: 105.12-65











Michael Collins: 145.012-67






Buzz Aldrin : 105.012-? (CB??)



My grateful thanks  and credits for the picture to NASA and the National Air and Space museum.

These images are in the public domain- and have not been used for any commercial purpose, purely education.


That concluded the history of the Apollo missions and the history of the Speedmaster.

About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.

This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.

The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.

Specifications

Caliber
321
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
60m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Mar 7, 2019

What a stunning post. The time and effort that you are putting into this research is extremely generous. Thank you. What a great post and a reminder of the history behind this incredible achievement as well as horological history. Best to you

MD
mdg
Mar 7, 2019

...definitely worth the extra $ to see in IMAX.

ZA
zabreg1 Mr White
Mar 7, 2019

Great read and great pictures.

JU
Jurry
Mar 7, 2019

I was ten years old when this incredibly impressive exiting moon landing took place. Still remember how I watched it with my dad on our B&W television. And how I later on got a book with high resolution color pictures. Fantastic Years later I became an Air Force pilot, was at Cape Canaveral and at Houston Space Center. It was a time full of dreams of the future. Great post thanks

AU
AuHavrePro
Mar 7, 2019

I have, unsurprisingly, enjoyed this wonderfully dense and vivid contribution from you as much as any I have ever consumed online . Wholeheartedly, Filip

AU
AuHavrePro
Mar 10, 2019

of which I've learned a couple of days ago, currently showing in the US, so I was wondering if anyone here has already seen it? If so, what are your impressions? I think I will get the opportunity to see it before it gets removed from the repertoire....

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