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ReviewA Collectible Speedmaster: The Omega Apollo XVII (Limited Edition)

A watch frowned upon initially, now becomes a hot pursuit for watch collectors.

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We’ve seen many faces of the Speedmaster, which happens to be one of the most popular watch collections in the world today. In Omega’s words, the Speedmaster is a watch that “has witnessed events that have tested the limits of physical endurance and human courage.” True. Sometimes you realize that the most popular watches are popular for good reason; but then again there are some that aren’t all that popular in the beginning. Some become popular over a period of time. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII is one that didn’t get much attention when introduced a couple of years back, but has become a hot pursuit for the collectors today. Let’s find out why:

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The Speedmaster Apollo XVII didn’t get much attention when introduced a couple of years back, but has become a hot pursuit for the collectors today.

Last Man on the Moon

Before we move forward, let’s not forget what this rare Speedmaster commemorates. Apollo 17, as we all know, was NASA’s last (manned) mission to the Moon. It was the 6th lunar landing executed by astronauts Cernan, Schmitt and Evans from the United States, and Mr. Eugene Cernan is known to be the last man on the Moon. Although there were more Apollo missions scheduled by NASA, people started complaining about the costs involved in these missions (considering they were paid for by the taxpayers). The scheduled missions were eventually called off, which thus, made Apollo 17 the last voyage of man to the moon.

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The Apollo XVII commemorates Mr. Eugene Cernan – the last man on the Moon.
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Mr. Cernan with his lunar vehicle at the launch of the watch at Omega’s iconic boutique in Milan.

Of course, Omega’s prominent role in space travel is well known, with their mission and tribute watches. But this has to be one of the most bizarre ones of the lot! Why are collectors now after it? Let’s find out:

The Unique Coin Dial:

It’s the dial of the Speedmaster that makes this watch so unique. Sure we’ve seen moondust and meteorite dials from Omega but the use of rare metal is, again, unusual from the brand. The dial of the Speedmaster Apollo 17 is made entirely out of 925 sterling silver, the design of which is taken from the Apollo 17 mission patch, embossed on the silver. The OMEGA logo and ‘Speedmaster Professional’ is not on the dial, but has been printed on the sapphire crystal, thereby keeping the dial clean and giving it a sense of depth.

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The OMEGA logo and ‘Speedmaster Professional’ is not on the dial, but has been printed on the sapphire crystal, thereby keeping the dial clean and giving it a sense of depth.

Unlike other mission tributes where the mission patch is usually engraved on the case back, it’s the design of the dial that’s a precise replica of the actual patch. While this makes the chronograph more or less useless, but that’s not what this watch was meant to be in the first place.

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The dial of the Speedmaster Apollo 17 is made entirely out of 925 sterling silver, the design of which is taken from the Apollo 17 mission patch, embossed on 925 sterling Silver.

Case, Bracelet, and the Movement:

The Apollo 17 was particularly remembered as one of the most successful missions in space history, considering the astronauts traveled the greatest distance on the moon surface using the Lunar Roving Vehicle, and came back to earth with the greatest amount of rock and soil samples. But Apollo 17 was also Eugene Cernan’s biggest professional achievement since he’s still known around the world as the “Last man on Moon” – the exact words engraved on the screw-in case back of the watch, along with ‘Apollo XVII’ and the unique Limited Edition number.

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“Last man on Moon” along with ‘Apollo XVII’ and the unique Limited Edition number are engraved on the screw-in case back of the watch.

Movement of this watch is the famous hand-wound Lemania based Caliber 1861, a modification of the earlier Caliber 861. Just to let you know, Caliber 861 movement was the movement that made it to the Moon and the only difference between the 861 and 1861 is the materials involved. And an extra jewel.

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The bracelet is the standard issued reference 1998 steel bracelet -a solid bracelet with a folding clasp that’s being operated by two push buttons.

The bracelet is the standard issued reference 1998 steel bracelet for all commemorative lunar watches from Omega. A solid bracelet with a folding clasp that’s being operated by two push buttons. The links are fitted with pins. The watch also comes in a special black leather box that also has the Apollo 17 patch.

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Movement of this watch is the famous hand-wound Lemania based Caliber 1861, a modification of the earlier Caliber 861- the movement that made it to the Moon

A collectible for the future?

Not all Omega fans were happy with this watch because of the very unusual medallion dial, but at the end of the day, the watch remains a limited edition Speedmaster Professional ‘Mission’ watch. And considering only 1,972 pieces of these were made around the world, it is well worthy of becoming a collectible; let’s quickly summarize why:
1) ‘Made in silver’ dial, which is rare coming from Omega.

2) The unique sapphire crystal protection with the Omega logo and ‘Speedmaster Professional’ printed on it instead of the dial.

3) The fact that it’s powered by a movement that went to the moon.

4) It’s fairly reasonable as a collectible since it’s priced at only 399,000 INR.

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And considering only 1,972 pieces of these were made around the world, it is well worthy of becoming a collectible.

This watch is available in India at Ethos Watch Boutiques.

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