In a landmark moment for space memorabilia collectors, Neil Armstrong’s commemorative 18K gold Omega Speedmaster is set to go under the hammer at RR Auctions on April 17, 2025. This isn’t just any timepiece—it’s a golden symbol of humanity’s greatest adventure, worn by the first man to walk on the moon.
Presented to Armstrong at a special gala in Houston on November 25, 1969, this unique Speedmaster is part of an extremely limited series of 28 gold watches created by Omega to honor NASA’s space pioneers. Numbered 17, the watch bears 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 caseback 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, which he reportedly wore on special occasions.
With an estimated price exceeding $2 million, the auction carries additional significance. Half of the hammer price will be donated to charities selected by Armstrong’s son, Mark, who describes the watch as symbolizing “one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of mankind.”
The timepiece itself is a marvel of craftsmanship. Featuring an 18K gold case, burgundy red 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 scuffs and scratches—the watch has never been polished, preserving its original character.
Recent auction history suggests extraordinary potential. In 2022, another astronaut’s similar gold Speedmaster sold for nearly $2 million, while Michael Collins’ watch fetched nearly $800,000. However, Armstrong’s unique status could drive the price even higher.
For collectors and space enthusiasts, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As one collector noted, with watches like these, the emotional value far exceeds any monetary assessment. This is more than a timepiece—it’s a tangible connection to humanity’s most audacious exploration.
The auction promises to be a momentous event, potentially attracting not just watch collectors, but space memorabilia enthusiasts and potentially even tech billionaires like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.
