3… 2… 1… Liftoff!
Take a poll amongst wristwatch collectors, and we'd bet the consensus would be that there might be nothing more important or iconic in a watch collection than an Omega Speedmaster.
Sure, chronographs such as the Rolex Daytona or the Heuer Carrera are classics - icons even, but neither can match the stature of the Speedy with regards to importance in history. In fact, arguably no watch can.
This particular Speedy, a Reference 3560.50, might date to circa 1999 but in spirit and aesthetics it has all the elements of a classic Apollo-era watch.
But thats not all.
This piece features a subtle artistic nod to the sixth and final moon landing in 1972 within the 9 o'clock sub register. It otherwise has very familiar Speedmaster Professional build from the 1990s-2000s that we have all come to know and love.
The movement that powers this watch is a variant of the same calibre that powered the watches worn by Jim Lovell and his crew during the harrowing Apollo 13 spaceflight — with a virtually identical 42mm asymmetrical case that has defined the Professional models since the 1960s.
Everyone should own a Speedmaster at one point in their collecting endeavors. It's not only one of the most significant chronographs of all time, it is one of the most significant watches of all time.
It is not often that we see these hit the open market, so if you're looking to get into a highly-collectible modern Speedmaster, this example a hell of an option!