Omega Speedmaster ST 3450808, “20 Years Flight-Qualified for Space”

gemini4

+.0001 😀
During this era, Omega also introduced the first SpeedieMoon 345.0809.
First NoNasa caseback since the 145.022-71

Vintagewtchzilla

👍👍

trioli_l

In 1985 Omega introduced a small series of its most iconic model to celebrate 20 years of certification of the Speedmaster by NASA, for manned space flights back in 1965, giving the reference ST3450808. The production counted just 1000 pieces, numbered but with no limits shown, made from ‘85 to ‘88, within the serial number range 48169000 to 48169999. The model was the first one with a display back bezel, showing the copper colored caliber 863 movement, with a “Côte de Genève” finishing, and the number,made of 4 digits, was engraved on the display back bezel and between the lugs at 12 o’clock. Another interesting thing about this model is the inscription on the case back, that at one point changed. The first batch of watches, delivered to Germany in the late ‘85 has the following: FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON XXXX SPEEDMASTER. For those there was also a special box and a certificate. The following batches, delivered to other markets, starting from ‘86, acquired the additional inscription APOLLOXI

watchtinker

It is interesting to point out that the number engraved on the caseback and between the lugs of this remarkable model is not in sequential order with the serial number of the movement and that some of the watches in the first batch had the 1450/808 bracelet, while some of the watches in the subsequent batches had the 1447/805 bracelet, apparently with no order.

trioli_l

Not so strange. Probably they had, and have yet, a production line for movements and one for cases and then they fit them without a precise order....

watchtinker

In fact, I did not said it is strange, I just pointed out that movements, cases, casebacks and bracelets were put together without a precise order.
I am particularly fond of this model which marked my first years with Omega and I have always considered it the last but certainly not the least of the golden era of Speedmasters.

TDBK

Excellent choice. Mine (№ 0986) says hello.

TDBK

Does anyone know, if the serial numbers and casebacks are randomly associated, but both are in a limited range (serial numbers 48169000 to 48169999 and caseback LE numbers presumably 1-1000), and the watches were issued over 3 years: is either number correlated with release date, or are both also randomly distributed over the time these watches were shipped? I'm curious about the implications for understanding of the internal operations: did Omega make 1000 movements and 1000 backs, put them on the shelf, and pick one of each out as they needed a 345.0808 over the years? Or was one or the other merely allocated (setting aside the serial numbers, for example), and then manufactured as the time went by in response to demand?

I don't have an extract for my watch, with a caseback number of 0986, but the serial number is …587, so I guess I don't know a lot about when it was issued. It has the "APOLLO XI", so based on what @trioli_l says, it's post-1986.

TDBK

Does anyone know, if the serial numbers and casebacks are randomly associated, but both are in a limited range (serial numbers 48169000 to 48169999 and caseback LE numbers presumably 1-1000), and the watches were issued over 3 years: is either number correlated with release date, or are both also randomly distributed over the time these watches were shipped? I'm curious about the implications for understanding of the internal operations: did Omega make 1000 movements and 1000 backs, put them on the shelf, and pick one of each out as they needed a 345.0808 over the years? Or was one or the other merely allocated (setting aside the serial numbers, for example), and then manufactured as the time went by in response to demand?

I don't have an extract for my watch, with a caseback number of 0986, but the serial number is …587, so I guess I don't know a lot about when it was issued. It has the "APOLLO XI", so based on what @trioli_l says, it's post-1986.