It’s not a Rolex or a Patek Philippe, but Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster in gold — which didn’t even go to the Moon — is expected to fetch $2 million.
In a historic moment for space memorabilia collectors, Neil Armstrong’s commemorative 18K gold Omega Speedmaster will be auctioned by RR Auctions on April 17, 2025. This is no ordinary timepiece: it’s a golden symbol of humankind’s greatest adventure, owned by the first man to set foot on the Moon.
Presented to Armstrong at a special gala in Houston on November 25, 1969, this exclusive Omega Speedmaster is part of an extremely limited edition of just 28 gold watches created by Omega to honor NASA’s pioneering astronauts. Numbered 17, the watch features a poetic inscription: “To mark man’s conquest of space with time, through time, on time” — a fitting tribute to the historic Apollo 11 mission.
The watch comes with remarkable provenance. Its case back is engraved with Armstrong’s missions — Gemini 8 and Apollo 11 — and Omega has confirmed its authenticity. While the NASA-issued Speedmasters from the Moon landing remain government property, this commemorative piece was Armstrong’s personal watch, reportedly worn on special occasions.
With an estimated value exceeding $2 million, the auction holds added significance. Half of the hammer price will be donated to charities selected by Armstrong’s son, Mark, who described the watch as a symbol of “one of the most remarkable achievements in human history.”
The watch itself is a marvel of craftsmanship. Featuring an 18K gold case, a burgundy aluminum bezel, and a solid gold dial with onyx hour markers, it represents both technical excellence and historical importance. Despite showing signs of wear — including scratches — the watch has never been polished, preserving its original character.
Recent auction history suggests strong potential. In 2022, a similar gold Speedmaster from another astronaut sold for nearly $2 million, while Michael Collins’s watch fetched almost $800,000. However, Armstrong’s unique legacy could push the value even higher.
For collectors and space enthusiasts, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As one collector noted, with watches like this, the emotional value far exceeds the monetary appraisal. This is more than just a timepiece — it’s a tangible link to humanity’s boldest exploration.
The auction is set to be a major event, likely to attract not only watch collectors but also space memorabilia fans — and perhaps even tech billionaires like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.
Source: LuxuryLaunches
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