None of my business, but I’d make a strong case against selling. What an heirloom. And if you are going to sell, unless it’s a financial urgency, what’s the rush? We are almost definitely going back to the Moon in a few years—the whole country is going to be “Moon crazy” when that happens—and I imagine a c.1969 Speedmaster (the original “Moonwatch”) is only going to climb in value relative to all that.
Annapolis- Thank You-Even though the watch was made in 1968 and bracelet 1/69 you're saying I have the original Moonwatch? I've been getting great imput from this forum and I will be passing it on to my SWA First Officer son after its serviced. SWA just approved their pilot contract so instead of gifting it I may just ask my son to pay me for the watch!!! Lol
Annapolis- Thank You-Even though the watch was made in 1968 and bracelet 1/69 you're saying I have the original Moonwatch? I've been getting great imput from this forum and I will be passing it on to my SWA First Officer son after its serviced. SWA just approved their pilot contract so instead of gifting it I may just ask my son to pay me for the watch!!! Lol
Everyone defines these things as they like, but, for the little it's worth, if I were looking to purchase a watch to commemorate Apollo 11, it would be a c.1969 Speedy. To me, that feels more authentically "of that moment" than one of the (many) other "Moonwatch" editions that came subsequently. I feel pretty confident that I'm not alone in saying this, though I know better than to expect unanimous consent on anything here at Omega Forums.
I was recently looking at 1968 861 transitionals. I just recently picked up my first speedmaster (a much more recent 1863), and I'm fairly certain if I added another it would be something like a 68 (either 145.012 or .022) or a 69. I agree that (and I'm adding 68 in there) a speedmaster from this era really captures the essence of the space race. I think (I'm not super familiar with vintage speedies- yet) there was also some early limited Japanese apollo commemorative? I recall that one looking quite nice...
Annapolis- Thank You-Even though the watch was made in 1968 and bracelet 1/69 you're saying I have the original Moonwatch? I've been getting great imput from this forum and I will be passing it on to my SWA First Officer son after it’s serviced. SWA just approved their pilot contract so instead of gifting it I may just ask my son to pay me for the watch!!! Lol
I would pay 7k for this one.
You have one of the best references. People call this a transitional reference because it had the same dial as the earlier moon watch (one worn on the moon) but with a new, updated movement. It was also made for a short time, making it even more collectible. I won't go into all the details but there is a lot of information on the internet that you will find fun reading.
There are several pilots on this forum, including Delta and American Airlines who also have Speedmasters. Your son should absolutely love it and it is great that he can add to its heritage.
Everyone defines these things as they like, but, for the little it's worth, if I were looking to purchase a watch to commemorate Apollo 11, it would be a c.1969 Speedy. To me, that feels more authentically "of that moment" than one of the (many) other "Moonwatch" editions that came subsequently. I feel pretty confident that I'm not alone in saying this, though I know better than to expect unanimous consent on anything here at Omega Forums.
You seem very knowledgeable - I have a 145022-68 ST, with a c. 321 and a serial number of 25