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Under the Radar: These Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Models Deserve More Attention

By Chrono24
19 września 2017 | Updated on: 15 sty 2025
5 minutes
Speedmaster-Apollo-XI-45th-Anniversary-2-1

Under the Radar: These Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Models Deserve More Attention

An Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is an essential timepiece for every watch collection. It is the ultimate tool watch with a track record to back that claim up. In 1969, the Speedmaster became the first watch on the Moon when Buzz Aldrin set foot on the lunar surface. Additionally, the watch played a crucial role in getting the Apollo 13 crew back safely to Earth a year later. The Speedmaster’s story is full of extraordinary tales that prove it’s the ultimate tool watch and why it deserves a prominent spot in any collection.

The Latest Additions to the Speedmaster Collection

Interesting addition to the Speedmaster Collection: The Speedmaster Pilot.
An interesting addition to the Speedmaster Collection: The Omega Speedmaster Pilot.

In 2024, we were treated to several great Speedmaster releases, which fans met with huge praise. The first is a white dial version of the standard Moonwatch – a long-desired wish for people who prefer a lighter dial for their Speedy. The next remarkable release was the introduction of the second generation of the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space”. While it is not part of the Moonwatch collection because it is based on a pre-Moonwatch reference, it still connects the Speedmaster to NASA’s great space exploration in the 1960s. Lastly, the brand introduced a Speedmaster Pilot Special Edition. Once again, it’s not a Moonwatch, but this pilot’s chronograph version of the Speedy is very much related to the core story of this brilliant chronograph.

Finding Three Rare Speedmaster Moonwatch References

While these three models have gained a lot of attention over the past months, plenty of Speedmaster Moonwatch models are not as widely discussed. We have selected three models that Speedmaster fans and collectors might know about but are not as big outside of that community. What connects all three of them is that they all tell a story directly connected to the rich history of the Speedmaster. Let’s dive in!

Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project ref. 311.32.42.30.04.001

Omega Speedmaster “Alaska Project” Limited Edition
Omega Speedmaster “Alaska Project” Limited Edition

The first pick is a limited edition from 2008 that has become a much-desired Speedmaster among collectors. While it might be a coveted collector’s item, the story of this quirky Speedy is not well known among the wider audience. The Speedmaster Alaska Project is inspired by prototypes that Omega developed in 1969 and 1970. “Alaska Project” was the name that NASA gave to the ongoing research and development of equipment for astronauts.

For the project, Omega developed two titanium prototypes with bright white dials to reflect sunlight and heat better. They featured black capsule-shaped hands for the two chronograph counters and a red central chronograph hand. On top of that, the watches came with a red anodized outer case that served as a shield. It protected the watches against extreme temperatures ranging from -234 to 500 °F – conditions that only exist on the Moon or in space.

In 2008, Omega paid tribute to those prototypes by introducing the Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project in a limited run of 1,970 pieces. It was based on the second of the two prototypes and looks like a normal Speedmaster with a white dial and the characteristic small hands. But as soon as you see the red aluminum shield and the long white Velcro strap from the special box it came with, you fully understand its story. This quirky but amazing Speedmaster has become a popular limited edition that trades hands for between 15.000 and 25.000 EUR.

Speedmaster Apollo XI 45th Anniversary ref. 311.62.42.30.06.001

Speedmaster Apollo XI 45th Anniversary
Speedmaster Apollo XI 45th Anniversary

An Omega Speedmaster that often flies under the radar, even with Speedmaster fans, is the Speedmaster Apollo XI 45th Anniversary. Omega releases an Apollo XI Anniversary model every five years to commemorate the 1969 Moon landing. In 2014, the brand released a very special version of the Speedmaster to celebrate Buzz Aldrin’s 45th anniversary of setting foot on the lunar surface, making the Speedmaster the Moonwatch.

This model is special because it features a titanium case, a first for the Moonwatch. The lightweight case is matched with a Sedna gold bezel, which is Omega’s proprietary rose gold alloy. The combination of the titanium color and the rose gold bezel with its black ceramic insert makes the watch stand out immediately. But what enhances the stylish look is the special laser-cut black PVD dial. As you can see, it is made from one single piece, giving it a super stylish dark grey look that is both modern and chic at the same time.

Omega produced 1,969 pieces of this limited edition, matching the year of the Moon landing. Interestingly, it didn’t sell out immediately upon introduction. A big reason was the unique combination of colors and materials, which makes this 45th Anniversary model look like no other Speedmaster. Over time, more collectors have grown to love this special Speedmaster Moonwatch, but it is certainly not one of the most popular models. Despite that, expect to see asking prices on the Chrono24 Marketplace between roughly 10.000 and 14.000 EUR.

Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary ref. 311.10.39.30.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary
Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary

The third and last Speedmaster is not a Moonwatch. As with all great legacies, they have to start somewhere, and for the Speedmaster, it started in 1957. That year, Omega introduced the Seamaster 300, the Railmaster, and the Speedmaster. Little did the brand know that the last would go on to define history by becoming the first watch on the Moon.

In 2017, Omega celebrated the 60th anniversary of that special trio of watches by introducing the 1957 Trilogy. This set of watches was modeled after the original models as they came out in 1957. As a result, the Speedmaster had the smaller 38.6mm case with straight lugs instead of the 42mm case with lyre lugs that we know from the Moonwatch. While the watch looks like a Speedmaster, you will also immediately see that the Broad Arrow hands differ from those on the Moonwatch. The 2017 re-edition of the first Speedmaster was greatly praised because Omega stayed close to the original Speedy.

The brand created 3,557 pieces of the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary for individual sales, plus another 557 for the special trilogy box sets featuring all three models. While 3,557 pieces are a high number, this model flew off the shelves. It is unsurprising because these watches are the perfect tribute to where it all began. But they are sometimes forgotten in the steady stream of new watches, which is why we wanted to highlight this homage to the first Speedmaster CK2915-1. You can own this piece of history for roughly 6.500 to 10.000 EUR.

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Chrono24

Chrono24

The team behind the Chrono24 Magazine consists of Chrono24 employees, freelance authors, and guest authors. They're all united by a passion for anything and everything…

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