Omega Speedmaster Professional - Apollo XI

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI Ref. 345.0808 represents one of the most fascinating chapters in the evolution of the Moonwatch during the 1990s.

These Apollo XI Speedmasters occupy a particularly interesting position for collectors. They retain the unmistakable architecture and proportions of the classic Speedmaster Professional, while introducing one of the details that would become increasingly important to enthusiasts: the sapphire exhibition caseback, allowing the movement to be admired from the wrist.

What makes this example particularly special is its exceptional Tritium patina. The original luminous plots have developed a rich, warm tone over the years, giving the black dial a remarkable depth and personality. This is precisely the kind of ageing collectors look for in a Tritium Speedmaster: natural, coherent and impossible to reproduce.

The front retains another important period detail: the original Omega signed Hesalite crystal. The discreet Omega logo moulded into the centre of the Plexiglas is one of those small details that immediately reinforces the authenticity and period character of the watch.
Turn it over and the character changes completely. The sapphire display back reveals the hand-wound Speedmaster movement, creating a fascinating contrast between the aged, highly characterful exterior and the mechanical architecture visible underneath.

This combination is what makes the Apollo XI-era Speedmasters so appealing today. They offer the emotional appeal of ageing Tritium, the unmistakable presence of the Moonwatch and the additional sophistication of an exhibition caseback.

A Speedmaster for collectors who appreciate patina, originality and the details that make a watch genuinely individual.