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pdxleaf
··"I cut it TWICE and it's still short!"Speedmaster 145.022-69 Straight Writing Apollo XI with bracelet
The Story:
This is one of my three favorite vintage references. (The other two are 105.012-65 and 145.022-68.)
What makes this special to me is that it represents the era when the whole world was united in moon fever. Omega had created special Gold Speedmasters for the astronauts, which were boldly engraved with "THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON." Even though it was a great marketing move, it seemed to be more of an innocent expression of joy and exuberance by Omega in having played a part in that amazing achievement.
Apollo XI and Apollo XII had recently landed on the moon and the crew of Apollo 12 had visited Japan where they were enthusiastically received. It's thought that this Straight writing Apollo XI (SW-AXI) was a Japan only market release, with maybe as low as 300 watches. If this is true, it would likely have happened that the Omega distributor in Japan asked Omega to create a steel version of the gold watch that was presented to the astronauts. This SW-AXI has the same caseback and same bracelet as the gold version.
This reference wasn't worn on the moon like the 105.012, but it was released at the same time that the moon landings were happening, and it is the result of Omega's becoming conscious of what that really meant for the Speedmaster. Wearing this watch makes me conscious of that same moment when the excitement of the moon landings was at its peak.
So why am I selling it? I recently bought a 35th anniversary Apollo-soyuz Speedmaster, which I previously owned and loved. Selling this SW-AXI will keep my small watch collection in balance.
I purchased this watch in 2023 from Japan with the help of a forum member who lived in Tokyo. Soon after it arrived, I had it serviced by a local watchmaker.
Condition:
Most watches are difficult to photograph to show real life condition. This watch is particularly difficult as it changes depending on the light.
The case doesn’t look unpolished but has strong edges. There is a nick on the bottom edge of the side opposite the crown, as seen in the photos. The crown may have been replaced in a prior service.
The dial has no scratches, missing paint or dents. (Please examine the photos and ask questions if you'd like to see more detail.) The lume appears original. It glows and fades as expected for tritium.
The hands look like they have had paint work.
Bezel has an overall fading paint that changes appearance if you hold it at an angle. You'll notice some sliding scratches between 80 and 90, with a small chip below 225. It fits the condition of the watch and imho is attractive. It appears slightly blue in certain angels and light.
The bracelet is fully extended and fits my 7.25 inch wrist.
Movement was serviced in 2023.
Bracelet is correct 1116 that is thought to have been released with these.
Please PM me with any questions.
Cost is $7450 USD or equivalent. I prefer payment as a wire transfer using Wise but will accept other forms, dependingon the buyer’s history. I will pay for shipping to USA and Canada and need to discuss shipping options to other areas. I am in the PST, USA.
Reviews: https://omegaforums.net/search/120732/?q=Pdxleaf&t=post&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=10&o=relevance
Thank you OF for the opportunity to offer this here.
The Story:
This is one of my three favorite vintage references. (The other two are 105.012-65 and 145.022-68.)
What makes this special to me is that it represents the era when the whole world was united in moon fever. Omega had created special Gold Speedmasters for the astronauts, which were boldly engraved with "THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON." Even though it was a great marketing move, it seemed to be more of an innocent expression of joy and exuberance by Omega in having played a part in that amazing achievement.
Apollo XI and Apollo XII had recently landed on the moon and the crew of Apollo 12 had visited Japan where they were enthusiastically received. It's thought that this Straight writing Apollo XI (SW-AXI) was a Japan only market release, with maybe as low as 300 watches. If this is true, it would likely have happened that the Omega distributor in Japan asked Omega to create a steel version of the gold watch that was presented to the astronauts. This SW-AXI has the same caseback and same bracelet as the gold version.
This reference wasn't worn on the moon like the 105.012, but it was released at the same time that the moon landings were happening, and it is the result of Omega's becoming conscious of what that really meant for the Speedmaster. Wearing this watch makes me conscious of that same moment when the excitement of the moon landings was at its peak.
So why am I selling it? I recently bought a 35th anniversary Apollo-soyuz Speedmaster, which I previously owned and loved. Selling this SW-AXI will keep my small watch collection in balance.
I purchased this watch in 2023 from Japan with the help of a forum member who lived in Tokyo. Soon after it arrived, I had it serviced by a local watchmaker.
Condition:
Most watches are difficult to photograph to show real life condition. This watch is particularly difficult as it changes depending on the light.
The case doesn’t look unpolished but has strong edges. There is a nick on the bottom edge of the side opposite the crown, as seen in the photos. The crown may have been replaced in a prior service.
The dial has no scratches, missing paint or dents. (Please examine the photos and ask questions if you'd like to see more detail.) The lume appears original. It glows and fades as expected for tritium.
The hands look like they have had paint work.
Bezel has an overall fading paint that changes appearance if you hold it at an angle. You'll notice some sliding scratches between 80 and 90, with a small chip below 225. It fits the condition of the watch and imho is attractive. It appears slightly blue in certain angels and light.
The bracelet is fully extended and fits my 7.25 inch wrist.
Movement was serviced in 2023.
Bracelet is correct 1116 that is thought to have been released with these.
Please PM me with any questions.
Cost is $7450 USD or equivalent. I prefer payment as a wire transfer using Wise but will accept other forms, dependingon the buyer’s history. I will pay for shipping to USA and Canada and need to discuss shipping options to other areas. I am in the PST, USA.
Reviews: https://omegaforums.net/search/120732/?q=Pdxleaf&t=post&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=10&o=relevance
Thank you OF for the opportunity to offer this here.
Edited:
