I recently saw a watch (below) that is supposed to be a 3592.50 but had the C4 dial (Tall and closed S), which is supposed to be from 1988/89 - 1991) according to the Moonwatch only book. It has the Apollo XI inscription in the caseback Its movement serial number started with 482 and lacked the serial number on the lug. Would it be in reality a 345.0808? An early 3592? An Apollo XI unnumbered edition with the numbered edition dial (transitional perhaps)?
A 48 million serial number fits with around 1989, where I have a friend who just got an Apollo XI (engraved at 9 o'clock) from 1989 with a 48 million serial number. The 345.0808 is only a case number and not a reference number, where 3592.50 is a reference number. So this watch is/should be a 3592.50 Oh, I see - the Dial is indeed different than the Apollo XI 3592.50 which has the S that doesn't dip as low.
Okay, so his is an unnumbered 20th anniversary with solid caseback says 145.022 inside, and engraving on the side. I can't all of the lugs. I got this pic a while ago when I was considering buying it. It has a 1450 bracelet. His has the same dial as the one you posted, while the one with the clear caseback I saw elsewhere (35th anniversary) was the one with a different dial.
Yes that's an Apollo XI 20th unnumbered series (1989-90; 4000 produced) according to the Moonwatch Only book. C4 was the dial used on that series (which it has), book says later production pieces may have the C5 dial and 1479/812 bracelet instead of the 1450/808. It does not says whether they had or not serial number on the lugs.
Serial engraving on case came around 1990-1991 time frame. If you don’t have engraving it was easier polished off or service case if after that year range.
A 48 million serial in a Speedmaster was used for almost a decade ! You can’t narrow it to only 1989, that doesn’t work Even taking 482 as first digits would still range from 1985 to 1993
After a year and a half of research/search, I just picked up a Apollo XI - Numbered Edition (345-0808). Needless to say, the thread piqued my interest. As to the watch you referenced, it's consistent with the MWO description (p.328) of an early Apollo XI - Unnumbered Edition (345-0808 / 3592.50) with a Type C3 dial. Even the Type B2 "Dot Close to 70" bezel (which is rare) collaborates this early production configuration. The only anomaly is that the 863 has the 18th jewel which I wouldn't have expected in an early version.
My Speedy with 863 has also engraved the number on the Lug. It is a 483... serial. Production year unknown to me
Hi already bought that watch, the watch is indeed and early 3592.50.00 from what have been able to check using primarly the Moonwatch Only book. The dial is in reality a C4 as has the tall and closed S, B2 bezel insert as you pointed out. It lacks s/n on the lugs, which is consistent with older serial numers (mine is 48251XXX): Love the patina it has developed on the dial; am ordering soon the extract of the archives to learn more about it, as it is a keeper!
Wait, now I'm confused. You obviously have a Apollo XI - Numbered Edition (345-0808)... just look at the A0XXX number between the "First Watch" and "Speedmaster" on the displayback. Anyways, our watches must've been siblings: same dial, bezel, "Grail" 1450/808 bracelet and caseback; S/N are within three digits of each other. I can see why it's a keeper... Pretty cool indeed!!
You are right, mine is from the numbered edition; somehow I missed that! Pretty cool ours so close in production
Got my Archive back after four months. Only new info was that mine was delivered to Germany on Oct 13 1989.
DANG... very sorry!! Of course that was my worry as well. How long did it take for them to notify you of the fact?