More pics.
Couple thoughts.
I'm intrigued with the stamped envelope because it shows Apollo 12. The Apollo 12 crew attended Expo 70 in Japan, which we believe was a catalyst for the straight writing Apollo XI. It makes me wonder if the "Omega Memorial Watch" ad was connected with the Expo 70. It's a bit strange that it's in English and not Japanese, if it was connected to the Expo 70. But if the Japanese text is on the rear ( and not a different brochure), then that would make sense. Google translate says the Japanese on the rear of the brochure reads "Speedmaster Apollo 1972." This is intriguing because it corresponds with the idea that the watches were released in 1972.
Here's more on Expo 70:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/when-apollo-went-japan-180974469/
I'm also intrigued with the hang tag, as it shows the price in yen, as well as with the Ginza shop paper. This corresponds with the thought these were sold in Japan.
I'm not certain that all the items came originally with the watch. I thought the original box was a paper moon box, similar to the gold Apollo XI but with a smooth service and not the cratered box.
As for the envelope being stamped 1969, the envelope could have been collected before the watch and added to the sale. It doesn't mean the watch was around in 1969.
this seems over priced at 20k.
Also, I 'd like to know what this is?
The seller describes ghost bezel, which I disagree with how this bezel appears. As far as any of these items coming with this watch originally, I am not certain based on how the seller describes them.
_________________________
From the seller's description, translated from Italian:
"Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Straight Writing Apollo 1969 Vintage untouched with ghost gray bezel (also known as faded tropical gray) DNN Dot Close to 70
with gray/green step dial (pad-printed dial)
and original 321 spider glass
Bracelet 1116 31 consistent with year/month of production September/October 1970
(31) late 1970s production in the USA and the Rising Sun with 7-hole adjustment box in excellent condition
575 lugs contemporary to the era, not aftermarket (different, larger letters)
The case features original period satin finishes
NOTE: Purchases made in the Rising Sun are always a guarantee of quality and reliability.
Movement 861 #30.990.xxx produced between September/October 1970 is extremely rare. This example of ST 145.022-69 "Apollo XI 1969" is one of the few released before the consolidated series #31.300.xxx - #31.600.xxx
It is in excellent condition, serviced, very clean, and all its parts are period-correct.
The watch comes with its box (preserved as new), outer box, dealer's tag, Omega guarantee printed in December 1970, and booklets printed in May 1969.
The set also includes an Omega watch case, the original Japanese plate from the Tokyo seller (Speedmaster： スピードマスター NASAが認めた伝説のクロノグラフ), two period Japanese display stands, a magnifying glass, and a Japanese book. NASA commemorative watch and original Omega Apollo XI 1969 commemorative box set
The stepped or "Pie Pan" dial, produced until 1972, possesses a charm and feel that newer, modern equivalents seem to lack.
The Reference 145.022 with the Cal. The 861 working watch is clearly built to last - the tritium works properly.
This is the model where the seahorse was removed and where the now standard inscription "THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON" was written for the first time.
The crystal is in excellent condition, with the A1 Narrow logo, nicknamed "Spider Glass," and internal markings.
It is an original vintage watch and extremely rare because it is almost always replaced with overhauls.
(An original vintage service crystal with the 1970 logo and new original pushers/crowns are provided if a replacement is needed to further improve the aesthetics.)
Original selling price: 65,000 yen (list value: $250, exchange rate: 258.02 in 1973). The sale was confirmed by the sole Japanese customer in July 1973.
The watch is fully authenticated and certified as to its Japanese origin. It is guaranteed to work until 03/02/2027 (it has an average deviation of 2-3 seconds per day when unworn)
Choose the chrono24 certified purchase option for a 100% reliable purchase.
HISTORY
The reference ST 145.022-69 was produced and delivered for several years, until 1974.
Many variations were introduced, the most notable of which is found on the caseback, with the inscription "the first watch worn on the moon."
This watch has such a caseback and is nicknamed "Straight Writing."
Some of these 145.022-69 "Straight Writing" models featured an extremely rare caseback referencing the Apollo 11 mission, similar to that of the gold limited edition "Apollo XI 1969 - Tribute to Astronauts."
These special versions, all sold in Japan, have an estimated limited run of 500-600 pieces. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Straight Writing Apollo 1969 Vintage untouched with ghost gray bezel (also known as faded tropical gray) DNN Dot Close to 70
with gray/green step dial (pad-printed dial)
and original 321 spider glass
1116 31 bracelet consistent with year/month of production (September/October 1970)
(31) late 1970s production in the USA and the Rising Sun with 7-hole adjustment box in excellent condition
575 lugs from the period, not aftermarket (different, larger letters)
The case features original period satin finishes.
NOTE: Purchases made in the Rising Sun are always a guarantee of quality and reliability.
Movement 861 #30.990.xxx, produced between September and October 1970, is an extremely rare example of ST 145.022-69 "Apollo XI 1969," one of the few released before the consolidated series #31.300.xxx - #31.600.xxx.
It is in excellent condition, serviced, immaculately clean, and all its parts are
