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The Speedmaster Apollo 13 was made to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission which launched on 11 April, 1970. Apollo 13 was the seventh crewed mission in the Apollo Space Program and was intended to land on the moon. Calamity struck two days into the mission when one of only two oxygen tanks exploded. The moon landing was aborted and the crew altered their trajectory in order to reenter Earth’s atmosphere. In order to conserve resources, electrical systems were powered down and Astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise used their trusted Omega Speedmasters to time the critical engine burns including a 14-second mid-course correction. Apollo 13 returned safely to Earth on 17 April 1970. NASA presented the Silver Snoopy Award to Omega in 1970 in recognition of its contributions to the entire Apollo program.
This lot is offered in excellent, like-new condition. It has a particularly special limited edition number 0416/1970 engraved prominently to the case back, which corresponds to the exact date of the burn. Indeed Nasa’s official Apollo 13 timeline of events confirms April 16th, 1970 as the date for the critical 14 second mid-course correction:
| Event | GET (hhh:mm:ss) | GMT Time | GMT Date |
| CSM power configuration for telemetry established. | 101:20 | 00:33 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| CM powered up. | 101:53 | 01:06 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| LM systems powered up. | 104:50 | 04:03 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| Midcourse correction ignition (LM DPS). | 105:18:28.0 | 04:31:28 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| Midcourse correction cutoff. | 105:18:42.0 | 04:31:42 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| Passive thermal control started. | 105:20 | 04:33 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| LM systems powered down. | 105:50 | 05:03 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| LM power transferred to CSM. | 112:05 | 11:18 | 16 Apr 1970 |
| Battery A charge initiated. | 112:20 | 11:33 | 16 Apr 1970 |
Many nuanced features make this limited-edition piece unique, from the black and white comic strip inspired motif to the 14 small squares on the seconds track – a nod to the 14-second mid-course correction the astronauts timed with their trusted Speedmasters. To the case back, a sapphire crystal reveals a 925 silver Snoopy medallion resembling the pin that accompanied the 1970 award presented to Omega.
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Omega is no stranger to paying Homage to their iconic and historical timepieces. The original Speedmaster Ref CK2998 is well known as the archetype for Omega’s iconic chronograph wristwatch. It was their first model to feature the now classic black bezel tachometer. The Tribute CK2998 features the same tachometer, measured from Base 1000 (later models have tachometers beginning at 500). Other iconic features including the straight lugs case, highly legible dial and Lancette hands with lollipop seconds are replicated in this modern take. The inspired twist is Omega’s new and very handsome color palette – bright blue and silver.
The legendary James Bond has thrived against all odds on the big screen sporting high tech gadgets and tools like his trusted wristwatch. Omega joined the Bond franchise with the 1995 release of Golden Eye, where Pierce Brosnan took on the role of James Bond for the first time. Brosnan wears an Omega Seamaster Professional 300m, and variations of this Seamaster were featured in subsequent films: Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. Daniel Craig, a more rugged and grittier Bond continued the Spy’s affiliation with Omega wristwatches by sporting the Omega Seamaster 300m and the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Ox-Axial in Spectre and Casino Royale.
These two lots feature limited-edition James Bond models in great overall condition and complete with their box, papers and accessories.
Sotheby’s Watches Online sale is open for bidding through 19 September. Viewing by appointment only is available at our New York offices. To confirm an appointment, please contact Devon.Mehring@sothebys.com or by phone at 212 606 7184.
