Buzz Aldrin’s personal Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 3590.50.00 sold for US$44,800 at a Sotheby’s auction, highlighting the enduring market demand for astronaut-owned horological artifacts. While the original watch worn by Aldrin on the Moon remains missing, this later-model replacement serves as a benchmark for how provenance drives value in the vintage watch market.
The Market Value of Astronaut Provenance
The US$44,800 final price for Aldrin’s ref. 3590.50.00 significantly outperformed its original estimate of US$8,000–12,000.
For context, the original Moonwatch worn by Aldrin on the Moon disappeared over 50 years ago while in transit to the Smithsonian.
Did you know?
Current Trends in Space-Themed Horology
Omega and Swatch recently introduced the “MISSION TO THE MOON 1969,” a £520 timepiece crafted from 18-carat Moonshine Gold.
Recent entries include:
- Richard Mille RM 63-02 Automatic Worldtimer: Positioned at the £208,000 price point.
Why Collectors Prioritize Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buzz Aldrin’s original Moonwatch?
The watch worn by Aldrin on the Moon remains missing. It disappeared during transit to the Smithsonian more than five decades ago and its location remains unknown.
Why did the ref. 3590.50.00 sell for so much more than its estimate?
The final price of US$44,800 reflects the value of provenance.
Are modern space-themed watches a good investment?
Are you interested in the intersection of space history and watch collecting? Explore our full round-up of the best space-themed watches released this year or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest auction results.
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