Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 30th Anniversary Apollo XI 3560.50

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Apollo XI 30th Anniversary” Ref. 3560.50.00 is a commemorative version of Omega’s legendary Moonwatch created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Released in 1999 and limited to 9,999 pieces, the watch pays tribute to the historic moment when astronauts first set foot on the Moon in 1969—an event during which the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the lunar surface.

The watch maintains the classic Speedmaster Professional design, featuring a 42 mm stainless-steel case, black dial, and tachymeter bezel used for measuring speed over distance. Its dial displays the traditional tri-compax chronograph layout with small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, along with luminous hands and hour markers for legibility. A hesalite crystal protects the dial, staying faithful to the historic Moonwatch construction used by NASA during the Apollo missions.

Inside the 3560.50 is the Omega Calibre 1861, a manual-winding chronograph movement known for its reliability and direct lineage to the movement used in NASA-qualified Speedmasters. It offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve and drives the chronograph functions alongside standard timekeeping. The caseback is specially engraved with the Apollo XI mission emblem and Neil Armstrong’s famous words, “HELLO HOUSTON, TRANQUILLITY BASE HERE, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED,” reinforcing its historical significance.

Reference: 3560.50

Serial: 48,403,XXX

Dated: 1999

Limited: 9999

Bracelet: Stainless-Steel Bracelet

Case: 42mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 1861 - Manual

Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Chronograph

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, numbered paperwork, and warranty card

Crystal: Hesalite

Bracelet size: 7.25”

Unpolished case has moderate wear with a couple marks on the underside edge of the case (pictured). Bracelet has moderate micro wear with no marks or gashes. Dial, hands, and crystal are free of wear.

Omega's journey began in 1848 when Louis Brandt established a small watchmaking workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The company quickly gained recognition for its precise timepieces, and under Brandt's sons' leadership, it pioneered mass production techniques without compromising quality. Omega's reputation grew through prestigious awards, precision records, and its role as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games. The company's defining moment came in 1969 when the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.

Throughout its history, Omega has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking technology and design. The company weathered the quartz crisis of the 1970s and emerged stronger under the Swatch Group's umbrella. Omega continued to innovate with introductions like the Co-Axial escapement and anti-magnetic movements. Today, Omega maintains its status as a luxury watchmaking leader with four main collections: Speedmaster, Seamaster, Constellation, and De Ville. The brand balances its rich heritage with cutting-edge innovations, exemplified by its Master Chronometer Certification and ongoing partnerships with the Olympic Games, Snoopy, and the James Bond franchise.