Lot 970
1997 Omega Speedmaster Mission Collection. Complete set of 23 stainless steel automatic chronograph bracelet watches plus a see through movement (Caliber 1861) and a loupe all housed in special presentation case that is made from the same material as was used in space suits. There were 40 such sets made by Omega in 1997, the 40th anniversary of the first Omega Speedmaster made in 1957. This is set #14. Twenty two (22) of the 23 watches honor individual manned space missions with a depiction of the patch for that mission on the face. The 23rd watch was termed a "replica" (probably not a fair assessment of the beautiful watch) by Omega of the 1957 Speedmaster. Missions honored include Gemini V through Gemini XII, Apollo VII through Apollo XVII and Skylab I through Skylab III (Skylab 2 through Skylab 4). Each watch is Caliber 1861 and has 18 jewels, matte black dial, small seconds, minute and hour counters, three part case, brushed and polished, tachymetric bezel, screw down back, stainless steel Omega bracelet, case, dial and movement signed. Each watch has an engraved inscription on reverse reading "Flight-Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions, The First Watch Worn On The Moon." The case top reads "OMEGA Speedmaster MISSIONS" and displays the Omega logo. There are also three 4" diameter metal portholes on the case top through which one can see the watch faces of the 1957 Speedmaster, Gemini V and Skylab III, respectively, when the case is closed. Also includes two keys for metal case locks, International Warranty card marked 14/40 and a COA. There are also three booklets that include Worldwide Service Centres Network, Operating Instruction and Space Missions description booklet. The latter booklet (section of pages loose) describes a few details of the each mission, crew members and description of the patch depicted on the watch face. Top left edge of the case is split along the seam, some aging to case exterior and some wear to interior with red interior lining requiring reattachment to case sides. The watches are all new, never worn and in working order. A rare set that is seldom offered at public auction.
Estimated Value $80,000 - 100,000.
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