Eh, first reaction was very lukewarm. Second, I started seeing elements that at least showed they made an effort but in the end it looks like something the Franklin Mint would put out. How can you have a 50th Anniversary moonlanding watch, a watch known exclusively for going to the moon...and it isn’t even flight certified. Hard pass.
Elements that I like are the 11, case back design and bevel, AML, short pushers, chrono hand, stepped dial, DON. All great throwbacks with a modern touch. I don’t like Buzz butt at 9 and the price. I’d be a buyer in the aftermarket at $6k which won’t happen, so I’ll have to just enjoy what I currently have.
Most likely all are reserved with hefty or full deposits, in the US. A few will be released by owners not liking it but essentially if you didn't jump on this at an OB and put money on the counter you are shut out.
6969 pieces seems like a huge volume for a limited edition. Investment piece, or just enough for true Speedy lovers?
I also find it hard to believe that only several hundred pieces are coming to the US. My feeling is that they will do a production limit of 6969, but releasing them in slow batches so that they can “sell out” initially to build hype and feed the FOMO.
Supposedly the allocations for the US have all been sold out. The deposits are fulIy refundable though and I am sure some people will be cancelling theirs.
I also dislike the image at 9:00...too busy...and I presume that’s Neil as he was the first to step off the lunar module. The subtle yet appreciated nods are welcome but too busy overall; too much yellow gold. Many state they like the bracelet but it seems the same as the trilogy released in 2017—clasp lock buttons and big overhanging Omega symbol: One thing people seemed to dislike about that bracelet was the large and thick clasp...doesn’t bother me fwiw, has a nice micro adjust, the 1/2 polished - 1/2 brushed stands out, for better or worse.
It's Buzz not Neil - according to Omega: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watches/speedmaster/moonwatch/apollo-11-50th-anniversary/product
I guess technically Neil left his watch in the module so I suppose Buzz was the first to wear his… “butt” a bad picture nonetheless. I suppose the pic and quote pay homage to them both.
Overall I like it! When I first saw the picture, I was neither excited nor disappointed. The only reservation I have is the graphic on the subdial. It looks too busy, and I was hoping for something a little more subtle there. I was expecting some sort of gold graphic at 9, and was just hoping it wasn't too pronounced or ugly. So it could have been better, but could have been worse too. The rest of the watch makes up for it though. Having said that, I have my deposit down and I am first on the list ad my AD. Given the historical significance of this piece, the somewhat limited production, and the overall esthetics, I plan on getting it.
So this is the Buzz watch because he was the first man on the moon - with a watch on his wrist. Won't say that I am disappointed, but it will take me time to warm up to it. Luckily the OB took my name down but did not ask me for deposit so I have time to digest, at least till July ...
the more I look at it the more I dislike it. I don’t like the 11:00... why do that? “ hey! I have a great idea… Apollo 11… 11 o’clock… Get it? Let’s make the 11 stand out! Because, you know, Apollo ‘11’?! Cuz it’s a play on “11”...get it?”
You say bad picture but this is how they descend a set of stairs with zero gravity hanging onto the side rail..they aren't going to waltz down it like a red carpet
I didn’t say I disagree with how astronauts a descsend a set of stairs in zero gravity… I just don’t like it at 9 o’clock on the watch