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FINALLY scored an UNPOLISHED UNTOUCHED Apollo XI 145.022-69 BA 18K Gold Speedmaster!

  1. SgWatchBaron Aug 30, 2017

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    The first ever Solid Gold Speedmaster! Only 1014 examples have been made of this gold OMEGA Speedmaster Professional in 1969 of which 28 went to the White House and 26 of them were given to the NASA astronauts of that time. Number 1 was offered to President Nixon, but he declined it. This particular watch is on display in the Omega Museum in Biel.

    (*Source: https://www.fratellowatches.com/speedy-tuesday-speedmaster-professional-ba-145-022/


    https://www.fratellowatches.com/rare-omega-speedmaster-professional/)



    Needless to say, I've been searching high and low for this particular reference. After what seemed like an eternity, I managed to close a deal on an Unpolished and Untouched one. Not only is this watch Unpolished and Untouched with the Original Factory Finish, this particular example displays the following highly desirable traits.



    1) Original Early Series "Wide Oval O" Dial
    2) Original Black Hands
    3) Pristine Burgundy Dot Over Ninety (DON) bezel
    4) Correct early period Crown and Pushers
    5) Original Crystal showing the Flat Foot Omega Logo
    6) Full length Factory Set Tight bracelet
    7) Factory finish Clasp
    8) UNPOLISHED, UNTOUCHED Factory Finish case
    9) Insane Insane Patina


    When I first received the watch...
    IMG_7236.JPG
    IMG_7237.JPG IMG_7238.JPG IMG_7239.JPG IMG_7240.JPG IMG_7244.JPG IMG_7246.JPG


    Factory Set Bracelet seems to never have been removed before...So I'm gonna leave it as it is...
    IMG_7592.JPG


    Affixing a clear caseback protector sticker on...
    IMG_7593.JPG


    Partial ultrasonic wash with detergent, as I didn't dare/trust myself to remove the factory set bracelet. Bracelet pin is in the wash as well on the right side...
    IMG_7275.JPG

    Other half of the bracelet...
    IMG_7283.JPG


    This is the max level of immersion I dared to go.
    IMG_7594.JPG

    Other half...
    IMG_7595.JPG


    Now into an almost boiling hot water bath to rinse off the detergent...
    IMG_7596.JPG


    Other half...
    IMG_7597.JPG


    Finally cleaned and dried... Subsequently used some alcohol swabs for the case (not pictured).
    IMG_7331.JPG IMG_7335.JPG

    Original period crown and pushers...
    IMG_7347.JPG

    Unpolished from all angles...
    IMG_7353.JPG

    Razor sharp...
    IMG_7359.JPG

    Ouch!
    IMG_7365.JPG


    Insane patina developing...
    IMG_7379.JPG


    More patina...
    IMG_7385.JPG IMG_7397.JPG

    Factory finish clasp.
    IMG_7413.JPG IMG_7369.JPG


    More patina...
    IMG_7373.JPG


    Highly desirable very early series "Wide Oval O" dial... IMG_7449.JPG


    Original Flat Foot Logo Crystal
    IMG_7470.JPG


    Full length tight Factory Set bracelet...
    IMG_7607.JPG


    Factory finish clasp...
    IMG_7553.JPG


    Finally some wrist shots...
    IMG_7618.JPG IMG_7619.JPG



    Shout out to @incabloc and @Cad290 for their invaluable advice on this particular reference as well as this particular example. Many thanks to OF for the platform to share my story... Needless to say, after a few weeks on the wrist, this watch will be off to Simon Freese Watchmakers (http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com) for a full overhaul. Cheerios!



    *Still Searching for a Moon Crater Box... If you know anybody/anywhere that has one for sale, do let me know.

    IMG_1948.JPG
    IMG_1950.JPG
    IMG_1949.JPG
    The Box pictured above belongs to @Cad290 ... Thanks mate!
     
    Edited Aug 31, 2017
  2. mr_yossarian Aug 30, 2017

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    ...I personally would kill for this Speedy..breathtaking beautiful, congratulations!
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  3. dialstatic Aug 30, 2017

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    Insanely gorgeous. Many congrats on this stunning piece.
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  4. nixf6 Aug 30, 2017

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    Great watch.Looks like it was hardly worn by the previous owner.From you enthusiasm sounds like you won't be selling it any time soon.
    Enjoy.
     
    José9 and SgWatchBaron like this.
  5. Seaborg Aug 30, 2017

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    Jesus... ::facepalm1::
     
    MikiJ and SgWatchBaron like this.
  6. SouthernScot Aug 30, 2017

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    Just wow! Fantastic watch enjoy. I have drooled over these on the pages of MWO!
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  7. Speedmasterfan88 Aug 30, 2017

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    Absolute grail! Huge congrats on the watch! Wear it in good health!
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  8. herold Aug 30, 2017

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    Sweet Lord :eek: :thumbsup:!
     
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  9. Edward53 Aug 30, 2017

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    I am not really a Speedmaster fan but that is just magnificent.
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  10. Edwinowl Aug 30, 2017

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    I'm missing a gold watch from my collection. This is a fantastic find. Congrats.
     
  11. eugeneandresson 'I used a hammer, a chisel, and my fingers' Aug 30, 2017

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    yummy! well done and WIGH...
     
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  12. Mcurreri Aug 30, 2017

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    Incredible thanks for sharing
     
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  13. Tubber Aug 30, 2017

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    That is absolutely 'kin' beautiful!
     
    watchknut and SgWatchBaron like this.
  14. Pahawi Aug 30, 2017

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    Amazing - congrats :thumbsup:
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  15. fibonacci086 Aug 30, 2017

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    Big congrats !
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  16. arcadelt Aug 30, 2017

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    Personally I believe that gold should be limited to dress watches and not sport watches, but I certainly can appreciate the rarity of this reference and understand your joy in acquiring it. It looks great.
     
    Kmart, MaiLollo and SgWatchBaron like this.
  17. bdp Aug 30, 2017

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    Sometimes its about the hunt, in this case its about the find! Wow!
    Well done and wear it well.
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  18. chipsotoole Aug 30, 2017

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    lovely watch. enjoy!
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.
  19. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 30, 2017

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    Oh wow, even has the crater box... that's an epic find man
     
    propervinyl and SgWatchBaron like this.
  20. Tet I prefer Dilmah do try it Aug 30, 2017

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    Wow, congratulations. That thing must have some weight to it!
     
    SgWatchBaron likes this.