I bought this one several years ago and have a hard time parting with it
Notice the number engraved on the side of the case. I posted this watch on another Omega forum a long time ago
and some claimed that the first 1000 watches issued for the XX th anniversary of Apollo landing did not have the Apollo on them.

 

That is the first 1000 batch to the US market of the 20th Anniversary Model 1989 Speedmaster. This one came with box and papers more importantly the certificate signed by Lt. Gen Stafford. The next 1000 were 1xxx/2000 Apollo 11 1969 and came with the same accessories but not the certificate but a velcro strap.

 

Thank you for this info. I wonder if I could get such certificate from Omega.

 

Unfortunately not. It is hand signed. I have heard of paying or requesting copies of modern pieces missing the certificate but not that far back

 

What can you tell me about this release to non American market?

 

There was a German release for 500 and then worldwide release of approximately 4000 engraved Apollo XI 1969

 

So did the German and initial American release came at same time or first 1000 American ones came first ?
Did the German release have the Apollo XI or was it plain as in my watch ?

 

Just as plain except xxx/500

 

So I would say I have quite a "rare bird" here 1500 watches released to a population of over 300 million of U.S. and Germany combined at that time

 

No the 500 is a separate release. The US had 2000 and rest of the world 4000