Paying tribute to the 40th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing that took place on the 20th of July, 1969, Omega has created the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition Replica Watches. The timepiece has naturally been inspired by the original Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch worn by Buzz Aldrin when he, together with Neil Armstrong, stepped onto the surface of the Moon at 02: 56 GMT on the 21st of July.

The new watch accommodates the brand’s legendary calibre 1861 that powered the original Moon Watch. The case of the Replica Omega watches, 42mm in diameter, is crafted from stainless steel. It is coupled with an upgraded stainless steel bracelet fitted with the brand’s patented screw and pin system.

The black dial of the new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has also been inspired by the original watch but with a few major distinctions.

The zest of the dial is a small seconds counter that represents a small medallion inspired by Apollo 11’s famous mission patch that showed an eagle approaching the moon surface holding an olive branch in its claws, with the earth visible far above the horizon.

The patch was designed as a symbol of peace. The designer of the patch was Michael Collins who was Command Module Pilot in the Apollo 11 capsule while Armstrong and Aldrin were in the Lunar Module and stepped on the moon.

The hour, minute and the chronograph seconds hands with a red tip are SuperLumiNova-coated to guarantee perfect legibility. The white minute and hour chronograph counter hands and the brushed, rhodium-plated small seconds hand create a nice contrast to the medallion.

The dial features the words “OMEGA Speedmaster PROFESSIONAL” and the exact time of the first step onto the moon – 02: 56 GMT highlighted in red.

The dial of the new Moon Watch is shielded by Hesalite, the robust, shatter-proof acrylic crystal that protected the face of the original Moon Watch. An OMEGA logo has been etched inside the crystal.

The mission patch is stamped on the case-back together with the words, “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON. ” The case-back also displays the limited edition number (0000/7969), and “July 21, 1969. ”

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition watch is presented in a black presentation box. The box comprises a silver medal, with the same diameter as the watch.

One side of the medal demonstrates an engraving of the mission patch together with the words “APOLLO 11, 40th ANNIVERARY, ” while the reverse side is engraved with the words “THE EAGLE HAS LANDED”; “LAUNCHED JULY 16 1969”; “LANDED JULY 20, 1969”; and “RETURNED, JULY 24, 1969. ” It also features the brand’s name and logo. The box also includes a certificate of authenticity and an envelope with a black polishing cloth providing information about the Apollo 11 mission.

It is interesting to mention that the electronic timing system on the Lunar Module was not operating properly and Neil Armstrong left his Omega watch aboard to provide a reliable backup.

The new Omega watch is to be unveiled at Baselworld 2009.