Back in April of last year we brought you the news straight from Baselworld 2014 about the release of the new Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition here. This time, we are bringing you a full review of this new watch the way we like to do it, under natural light and with plenty of macros that we know you'll love. Furthermore, we have a surprise at the end of the post with the watch fitted with a 'Speedy' X-33 OEM titanium bracelet. These images are a world premiere and the result of a crazy idea from a watch collector that wanted to see what the watch would look like on a matching titanium bracelet. Frankly, the watch looks even more amazing on the bracelet. Considering that our previous images from Baselworld 2014 were not taken under natural light, these new images we have prepared for you depict the watch more accurately. This is a watch that one needs to see in person to truly appreciate it and understand the color variations coming from its PVD blackened dial.
The black PVD dial, with its subdials —30-minute chrono register at 3, 12-hour chrono register at 6 and running seconds at 9 o'clock—, has been produced using a special laser which creates the design elements on the watch’s face by removing the material surrounding the name, sub-dial numerals and hour markers leaving them raised on the surface of the dial. The indexes and hour, minute, seconds and sub-dial hands are crafted from 18K red gold and the central chronograph hand is red gold-plated. The most interesting feature of this dial is how much its color varies depending on the lighting conditions and the angle at which you look at it. This is a dial that almost seems to be dark chocolate brown under low light, but that then it turns into a lighter milk chocolate brown and sometimes even grayish when exposed to brighter light. Hopefully the macros below will help you appreciate the color variations and the hard work that went into the production of this dial with its raised chapter ring, numerals and writing.
Recalling the colors of the moon and the Apollo 11 lunar and command modules, the limited edition timepiece features a grey fully brushed 42 mm grade-2 titanium case with a touch of 18K Omega Sedna gold on the matte black ceramic bezel insert. The contrast that the Sedna gold provides is just spectacular. The watch is fitted with pump pushers and a non-screwdown crown.
Another striking element on the design of this watch is the brown NATO nylon leather lined strap. In July of 1969, two NASA astronauts became the first human beings ever to set foot on the surface of a celestial body. The feat has been described as one of mankind’s crowning technological achievements and Omega was literally on hand on this historic occasion. Strapped around his spacesuit, Buzz Aldrin had an Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph. The NATO strap is beautifully finished and is fitted with a satin brushed finished pin buckle with the Omega logo on it.
This timepiece is available in a limited edition of 1,969 pieces; a number that reflects the significant year that the first humans walked on the Moon. The Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition is powered by the Omega manual wound calibre 1861 and is water resistant to 50 meters/167 feet.
Now, perhaps the best part of this review and a world premiere, is that you now get to see what the watch looks like on a 'Speedy' X-33 OEM titanium bracelet. In our opinion, this combo brings out another great wearing option for those watchlifestylers that are not too fond of the NATO strap look.
It is important to mention that this is not a standard option offered by Omega but one that you can accomplish by separately purchasing the 'Speedy' X-33 OEM titanium bracelet to go with the watch. Frankly, this look is just exceptional and a must have for those deciding to buy this new Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and very comfortably. The watch is very light and very utilitarian looking thanks to its fully satin brushed finished case and NATO strap. The look and feel of the watch changes completely by switching from the NATO to the bracelet. A perfect watch that is suited for casual or dressy adventures with a sticker price that couldn't be any better. The watch comes in a special presentation box with an image of the Apollo 11 on the surface of the moon and hinges that match the color of the Omega 18K Sedna gold bezel on the watch.
This time, we have included wristshots of both looks —on NATO and bracelet— as well as a side-by-side shot for comparison purposes. Now, it's up to you to decide whether you will be adding that OEM bracelet or not. If you ask us, we really think you should.
Sticker Price $7,200 USD on NATO strap. For more info on Omega click here.
