Apollo 15 40th Anniversary Omega Speedmaster

Apollo 15 was the fourth moon mission and first to focus on long duration lunar surface stays with a heavy focus on scientific operations. In total, the crew spent 18 hours and 37 minutes on the surface and twelve days from start to end. Perhaps most notably, however, it was the first moon mission to feature a Lunar Roving Vehicle. In the watch context, this small detail has special meaning: uniting the Speedmaster’s Moonwatch lore with its original purpose as a driver’s chronograph. Granted, this is next-level nerd detail and perhaps disgustingly over romanticized. Yet, I find the context special. Apparently, Omega did also, as they created something a bit special for the 40th Anniversary of the mission.

The subtle twist on the classic Speedmaster dial here is an artful interpretation of the Apollo 15 mission patch, which was designed by aeronautical engineer and Italian Air Force bomber pilot Emilio Pucci. It featured three stylized birds in American flag colors over the lunar surface, each meant to represent an astronaut individually and marking the landing spot in its detail. It was this theme Omega tweaked to create the subdial and chronograph track hues shown here. In addition, the case back features an intricate lunar rover contrasted agains the lunar surface and space. This watch was released as a 1971 example limited edition in 2011, with the 1861 movement. This was just before modern watch media had truly found footing and after the neo-vintage Speedmaster era, a timeframe oft overlooked but worth revisiting.

This example has a sharp case, original bracelet, all tight. The dial is well-preserved and unaltered to my eye. It comes recently serviced with a complete set from a well-regarded retailer.

Find this Apollo 15 40th Anniversary Speedmaster here from Bulang & Sons for 11750 EUR.