Omega Speedmaster 345.0802 / ST145.022 “Apollo XI”: The Moonwatch Legacy for the Civilian Wrist

Introduction

In the wake of Apollo 11’s Moon landing, Omega wasted no time in bringing space history to the public. While astronauts were strapping on reference 105.012 and 145.012 Speedmasters, Omega was preparing a model that would carry the lunar legacy into boutiques worldwide. That watch was the Speedmaster 345.0802 / ST145.022 “Apollo XI”—a commemorative model based on the 145.022 platform but made to mark the 20th anniversary of the Moon landing.

Released in 1989, this was not just another variant—it was a tribute to a defining moment in human history. It retained the DNA of the classic Moonwatch but added unique caseback engraving, marking it out as a collectible and a symbol of Omega’s role in space exploration.

From Racetracks to Lunar Landings

The Speedmaster’s journey began in 1957 with the reference CK2915. Intended as a professional chronograph for motorsport use, it introduced a clean black dial, triple-register layout, and the now-iconic external tachymeter bezel. Over time, refinements came with the CK2998, 105.003, and 105.012 references.

NASA’s adoption of the Speedmaster was formalised in 1965 after rigorous testing. It became the official chronograph for manned missions, culminating in its historic role during Apollo 11. Buzz Aldrin’s Speedmaster—visible in Moon landing photos—cemented the model’s status as the first watch worn on the Moon.

By 1968, Omega introduced the 145.022 with the new calibre 861 movement, replacing the legendary 321. This move ushered in a new era of Moonwatches—mechanically robust, easier to service, and more accessible to the public.

The Emergence of the 345.0802 / ST145.022

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Moon landing, Omega released a special edition Speedmaster in 1989. This was the 345.0802, also referenced as ST145.022 depending on market and documentation. It was based on the standard Moonwatch architecture but added commemorative details that made it distinct.

The standout feature is the engraved caseback, bearing the text:

"APOLLO XI 1969 – 1989”

“Ω Speedmaster – The First Watch Worn on the Moon”

While earlier Speedmasters had engraved tributes, this was the first time Omega explicitly linked a limited edition to Apollo 11 with a numbered caseback (for US models). Approximately 4,000 pieces were produced worldwide, including 1,000 numbered examples for the US market engraved with “XXX / 1000”.

This model allowed collectors, engineers, and the public to wear a direct tribute to Apollo XI on their wrist—without the need to hunt down a 1960s original.

Case, Dial and Crystal

The watch retained the classic 42mm twisted-lug asymmetrical case, first introduced on the 105.012. This design protected the pushers and crown while preserving a comfortable profile on the wrist.

The dial was standard matte black, with tritium lume plots and a printed Omega logo—typical of late-1980s production. It had all the hallmarks of a professional-grade chronograph: recessed sub-dials at 3, 6 and 9, and crisp white markings for instant legibility. The hands were also tritium-filled, with flat counterweights on the chronograph seconds hand—a detail true to Speedmasters produced between 1968 and the mid-1990s.

The crystal was domed Hesalite, chosen for its resistance to shattering—an essential feature for space use. The characteristic etched Omega logo in the centre of the crystal would be present, as Omega had long since begun marking crystals as a quality and authenticity measure.

Movement: Calibre 861

At its heart, the 345.0802 runs the calibre 861—a cam-lever chronograph developed by Lemania, Omega’s movement partner. Introduced in 1968, this movement replaced the more complex column-wheel calibre 321. While collectors still prize the 321 for its craftsmanship, the 861 brought higher reliability and improved serviceability.

The 861 ticks at 21,600 vibrations per hour, has a 48-hour power reserve, and uses a cam and shuttle system instead of a column wheel. This simplified chronograph construction is one of the reasons NASA continued to issue Speedmasters throughout Skylab, Apollo–Soyuz, and Space Shuttle missions well into the 1990s.

Bracelet and Bezel

Most 345.0802 examples were delivered with reference 1450 solid-link bracelets, fitted with Omega 808 end links—a sturdy, comfortable combination that signalled the evolution from earlier flat-link or folded-link bracelets.

The bezel is a black anodised aluminium insert with a tachymeter scale. While collectors pay premiums for early “dot over 90” (DON) bezels, this 1989 model uses the later dot next to 90 configuration, appropriate for the period.

Production and Distribution

Omega produced roughly 4,000 examples of the 345.0802 in total:

• were allocated to the United States, each with a numbered caseback (e.g. “0523 / 1000”).
  
• Apollo XI engraving.
  

This relatively small production run adds a layer of scarcity, particularly for collectors seeking complete, untouched examples with original box and papers.

Speedmasters in Service After Apollo

Although the Apollo missions ended in 1972, the Speedmaster’s role in space did not. NASA continued issuing the 145.022 platform (including variants like the 345.0802) throughout Skylab and the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project. It was requalified in 1978 for continued use during the Space Shuttle era, surviving new rounds of environmental and structural testing.

Astronauts like John Young, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride wore Speedmasters on later missions. Meanwhile, Soviet and European cosmonauts adopted them aboard Soyuz and MIR space stations, cementing the Speedmaster’s reputation as the global standard for manned spaceflight chronographs.

Collectability and What to Look For

When collecting the 345.0802, condition and completeness matter. Desirable traits include:

• with creamy tritium patina (no relume)
  
• especially if it’s a numbered U.S. market piece
  
• with 808 end links
  
• specific to the Apollo XI edition
  

Compared to earlier Speedmasters with calibre 321 movements, the 345.0802 is more attainable—but no less significant. It’s an honest Moonwatch with real lunar lineage, made to be worn and appreciated.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster 345.0802 / ST145.022 “Apollo XI” 20th Anniversary edition is more than a commemorative release—it’s the bridge between Omega’s past glories and its modern legacy. Rooted in the architecture of the classic Moonwatch, powered by the calibre 861, and wrapped in a case that stayed true to its spacefaring origins, it brings a piece of Apollo history to the wrist of anyone lucky enough to own one.

Unlike six-figure 1960s Speedmasters, this model offers a wearable and historically rich alternative—officially sanctioned, appropriately engraved, and built on the same platform that travelled to the Moon. For collectors and space history aficionados alike, the 345.0802 remains one of the most meaningful tributes to the greatest voyage ever made.

 Very good condition. No signs of polishing. Bracelet has minimal stretch.

Dial and hands are flawless. Creamy patina on hour markets.