The watch that went to the moon. I true testament to the history of Omega was in 1969 when the watch was worn my astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Previously Enjoyed has a 35th anniversary Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 ‘Panda’ for sale and ready fore me to test out. Let’s get to it.
The Panda dial, which essentially looks like the face of a Panda with its white face and black dials is really stunning and recognizable look. It has just the right amount of pop, without being too much (a common theme these days).
When picking up this watch from Previously Enjoyed I was mentioning how much I like the Omega brand. Specifically, I like the Speedmaster. The Speedmaster debuted in 1957 when it was introduced as a sports and racing chronograph, complementing Omega’s position as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games that year. But it was 1969, when Omega became the first watch to be worn by an astronaut on the moon that horology history was made. What most people may not know is the process in which NASA decided to use the Omega watch on Apollo 11 mission. NASA purchased six chronograph watches anonymously and put these watches through the most rigorous trials endured in the history of horology. Some of these tests include (but were not limited to);
- High temperature: 48 hours at a temperature of 160°F (71°C) followed by 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).
- Low temperature: 4 hours at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C)
- Oxygen atmosphere: 48 hours in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 0.35 atm
- Low temperature: 4 hours at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C)
- Temperature-Pressure: 15 cycles of heating to 71°C for 45 minutes, followed by cooling to -18°C for 45 minutes at 10−6 atm.
- Decompression: 90 minutes in a vacuum of 10-6 atm at a temperature of 160°F (71°C) and 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).
After all these tests (and more), there was only one watch remaining, the Omega Speedmaster.
The 35th Anniversary was in 2004 and Omega did a wonderful job on the Speedmaster to commemorate the year. Lets get the watch details
Brand – OMEGA
- Model – Speedmaster
- Reference Number – 3569.31
- Bracelet – Stainless Steel
- Case back – Solid (specialized for the 35th anniversary)
- Water resistant – 200 Meters / 660 Feet
- Case Diameter – 42mm
- Crystal – Plexiglass
- Dial – White/Black (PANDA)
- Movement – Manual Winding
- 48 hour power reserve
- Limited edition of 1/3500
The case back is very special. It’s a homage to Neil Armstrongs words after he and Buzz Aldrin landed successfully on the Moon in 1967. The mission patch of Apollo 11 was designed by the astronauts, a tradition that started with Gemini V. This mission patch is placed on the back case of the watch.
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed”
– Neil Armstrong
Wearing this watch was a breeze. It fit nicely on my wrist and on and looked amazing. For me, thats what really makes this piece special. The PANDA dial just looks good! It’s easy to dress up or down, matches everything, and it’s nicely understated. The added value you receive with this watch from Previously Enjoyed is the limited edition 35th anniversary for the Apollo 11 mission. A classic watch with a great story.
It can be difficult to find new watches in todays watch market. Previously Enjoyed is owned by Beverly Hills Watch and they can also assist with the purchase of new watches.
Why you have to shop @ Beverly Hills Watch… Beverly Hills Watch has been around since 1979. The sell both new and used watches. It’s easy to shop around for watches online, but you don’t always know what your getting. The “previously enjoyed” division of Beverly Hills Watch is a little different then your average online shop. Watches brought in on trade from current clients who purchased the watch from them in the past means they have the proper pedigree with all these watches. All new clients who are trading watches go through a very thorough verification process so you can be certain you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Before you make your next watch purchase, or you want more info on a specific watch – I truly speak from experience – check out Beverly Hills Watch
“Previously Enjoyed Watches – The Exclusive Beverly Hills Watch Store since 1979. Specializing in buying, selling and trading new and pre-owned fine timepieces acquired from our vast network of clients around the world.”