OMEGA SPEEDMASTER
20 YEARS
FLIGHT-QUALIFIED
FOR SPACE
Ref. ST 345.0808
(1985-1988)
The first stainless steel OMEGA Speedmaster with display back was initially delivered to the German and Austrian markets in the fall of 1985.
It came in a rectangular green Speedmaster box accompanied by a certificate in German explaining that it was a commemorative model for the 20th anniversary of NASA’s certification of the Speedmaster in 1965.
From 1986, it was sold to other markets but without a special box or certificate.
This model is part of a numbered series but with no limit shown. The four-figure number is engraved on the display-back bezel and, uniquely for a Speedmaster, between the lugs at 12 o’clock.
The display-back bezel has the following inscriptions (xxxx being the four-figure number):
FIRST WATCH – WORN ON – THE MOON – xxxx – SPEEDMASTER
A variant of this caseback has the “APOLLO XI” inscription.
One thousand of these watches were made with movement numbers from 48.169.000 to 48.169.999.
The vast majority was fitted with the 1447/805 steel bracelet (late production models could have been fitted with the 1450/808) and given the reference ST 345.0808, except for about 40 watches that were delivered to Mexico on leather straps and which have the reference ST 145.0808.
6 good reasons that make this model highly collectable
Numbered series
of 1’000 watches
This model is part of a numbered series but with no limit shown.
One thousand of these watches were made with movement numbers from 48.169.000 to 48.169.999.
Display
back
The display-back bezel has the following inscriptions: FIRST WATCH – WORN ON – THE MOON – xxxx – SPEEDMASTER (xxxx being the four-figure number). A variant of the bezel is inscribed with an additional APOLLO XI.
Caliber 863
copper-colored
This little-known model is actually the only one with the beautiful copper-colored caliber 863 movement.
Numbered
in 2 places
Interestingly this is a unique case of having its individual number engraved on the caseband between the lugs at 12 o’clock, as well as on the display-back bezel.
1447/805
bracelet
The 1447/805 steel bracelet with solid end-links is specific to this model and to the ST 345.0809 Speedymoon model.
The fab
80s trilogy
Together with the extremely sought-after Holy Grail and Speedymoon models, it represents the fabulous and particularly rare Speedmaster trilogy of the 80s.
My very first Moonwatch… 😉 Number 824 here!
My first Moonwatch as well :). APOLLO XI text and 1450/808 Bracelet, Number 5xx
Number 0385 and APOLLO XI text on my wrist. 🙂
I have one of that run. Mine is 0958 out of 1000.
I also have one!! Number 0817 here, with 1447/805 bracelet and Apollo XI.
Great to find this info about my beloved speedy! Thanks!!
Has anyone the rectangular box, made for the German market?
Yes we have, there are two: one dark green and one white. Check our IG account for the pictures 😉
Thanks ??
Presente con il numero 0092 bracciale 1447 finali 805 consegnato in Germania e ora in Italia!!!!
Purtroppo senza bracciale.. rientro 481696** cassa n 073*. Se andiamo avanti così forse li mettiamo insieme i 999 prodotti. A me non porta sul fondello la scritta Apollo XI. Altri che ho visto la portano. Qualcuno mi sa dire il perché?. Grazie.
The very first series (like yours) has a 863 copper and no Apollo XI. The second one has a 863 yellow and the Apollo XI mention.
I have n. 07xx with Apollo XI and 1450/808 combo
I’m proud to own the 00×5 with 1450/808, white rectangle box and german papers
Congrats! Thanks for sharing.
Hello, FYI this particular model was introduced in the fall of 1985 with 1000 watches produced, but how long dose the production run? If I want to search a specific one that was produced in 1985, which serial number is the last one? Thank you.
Yes, first models delivered in September 1985.
But it is impossible to define a “last serial number” for 1985, because they are not progressive…
Number 027X here, with German box, filled special papers. A full kit! Apollo XI text on the back.
Above it states “From 1986, it was sold to other markets but without a special box or certificate.”
I don’t know if this is true, my extract came back with Aug, 1986 and from Germany.
Thanks for sharing.
What we wanted to say is that from 1986 it was sold ALSO to other markets…
Thanks for clarifying. Proud to be an owner of this watch!