Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster Set for Auction on April 17

On April 17, 2025, RR Auctions will host a landmark event featuring the sale of Neil Armstrong’s commemorative gold Omega Speedmaster. This will be the first time a Speedmaster owned and frequently worn by the first man to walk on the moon is made available for public auction. With an estimated value exceeding $2,000,000, the auction is set to take place at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 6 PM ET. The authenticity of the timepiece has been confirmed by Omega, and its provenance is further validated by numerous images showing Armstrong wearing the watch over the years.

Historical Significance of the Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster has a deep-rooted connection with space exploration. Omega originally produced 28 commemorative 18k gold Speedmasters under reference number BA145.022. The first two were intended as gifts for President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, but both had to decline. The remaining 26 were presented to NASA astronauts at a gala dinner on November 25, 1969, at the Hotel Warwick in Houston. 

Neil Armstrong was given watch number 17, which features an engraved caseback with the inscriptions: “to mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time” and “Gemini 8 – Apollo 11.” Following the initial batch, additional watches (numbered 33 to 1000) were produced for the public, with a slightly different caseback design commemorating Apollo 11 and the Speedmaster’s role as “the first watch worn on the moon.”

Market Trends and Auction Prospects

The market for vintage Omega Speedmasters has experienced fluctuations over the past few years, influenced by high-profile sales, legal controversies, and shifting collector interest. Notably, in November 2021, a Speedmaster reference 2915-1 set a record as the most expensive Omega watch ever sold before becoming the subject of fraud allegations involving the former head of the Omega Museum and Brand Heritage. The legal proceedings surrounding that sale have contributed to uncertainty in the vintage Omega market.

In June 2022, a gold Speedmaster owned by Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins was sold for $765,000, setting a reference-specific record. However, later sales of astronaut-owned Speedmasters saw varied results, with prices ranging from $300,000 to nearly $1.9 million. Notably, in November 2022, a commemorative Speedmaster gifted to astronaut Wally Schirra achieved $1,906,954 at RR Auction.

With Armstrong’s Speedmaster now entering the market, collectors and space enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the watch will perform. The historical value of the piece is substantial, considering that Armstrong left his NASA-issued Speedmaster aboard the lunar module as a backup to digital timers during the Apollo 11 mission. Meanwhile, Buzz Aldrin wore his NASA-issued Speedmaster on the moon’s surface, but that watch was reportedly lost in transit to the Smithsonian Institution. Armstrong’s flight-worn Speedmaster remains on display at the National Air and Space Museum, making the auctioned commemorative Speedmaster a rare opportunity for collectors.

Condition and Provenance

Unlike some of the previous astronaut Speedmasters sold at auction, Armstrong’s watch does not come directly from his family. However, its authenticity is undisputed, supported by an “Extract from the Archives” from Omega and the endorsement of Armstrong’s son, Mark Armstrong. Notably, 50% of the hammer price will be donated to charities selected by Mark Armstrong, aligning with causes that Neil Armstrong supported during his lifetime.

The watch exhibits signs of wear consistent with its history. The red bezel has faded over time, the case has visible scratches, and the caseback bears a deep gouge, likely from an improper tool being used to open it. Unlike some of the mint-condition commemorative Speedmasters seen in previous auctions, Armstrong’s piece reflects a well-worn history, further adding to its authenticity and appeal.

Collector Interest and Potential Buyers

Collectors have expressed mixed sentiments regarding the potential final price of Armstrong’s Speedmaster. Some believe it could surpass previous records for astronaut-owned Speedmasters, while others suggest a more modest valuation given the broader market trends. One collector estimated that any gold Speedmaster owned by an astronaut starts at approximately $200,000, with additional value attributed to historical significance and provenance.

Speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of Omega itself participating in the auction to secure the watch for its museum collection, particularly given its ownership of Nixon and Agnew’s commemorative Speedmasters. Additionally, high-profile collectors, including those from the space memorabilia sector, may drive bidding competition. Figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, both known for their interest in space history, could potentially enter the bidding process, further elevating the watch’s final price.

Auction Details

– Auction House: RR Auctions  

– Date: April 17, 2025  

– Location: Royal Sonesta, Cambridge, Massachusetts  

– Time: 6 PM ET  

– Estimated Price: $2,000,000+  

– Provenance: Confirmed by Omega and supported by images of Neil Armstrong wearing the watch  

– Condition: Worn with visible scratches and bezel fading  

– Charitable Contribution: 50% of proceeds donated to charities selected by Mark Armstrong  

Conclusion

The upcoming auction of Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster represents a unique intersection of horology and space exploration history. Given Armstrong’s pivotal role in the Apollo 11 mission and the Speedmaster’s legacy as the “Moonwatch,” this sale is expected to generate significant interest. Whether the final bid reaches record-breaking numbers or aligns with recent trends in the vintage Omega market, this auction marks a rare opportunity to own a piece of space history.

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