3… 2… 1… Liftoff!

Take a poll amongst wristwatch collectors, and we'd bet the consensus would be that there might be nothing more important or iconic in a watch collection than an Omega Speedmaster. 

Sure, chronographs such as the Rolex Daytona or the Heuer Carrera are classics - icons even, but neither can match the stature of the Speedy with regards to importance in history. In fact, arguably no watch can.

This particular Speedy, a Reference 3570.31, might date to circa the early 2000s, but in spirit and aesthetics it has all the elements of a classic Apollo-era watch - with one very special twist

This piece features a standout 'panda' dial, known as the 'Mitsukoshi' dial. With just 300 units made and sold at one location in Japan, this piece makes for an exceptionally rare Speedmaster, full stop.

The movement that powers this watch is a variant of the same calibre that powered the watches worn by Jim Lovell and his crew during the harrowing Apollo 13 spaceflight — with a virtually identical 42mm asymmetrical case that has defined the Professional models since the 1960s.

It is not often that we see these hit the open market, in fact, this is the first example that we have sold in 11 years of business! 

So, whether you're looking to get into an always desirable 'panda' dial'd chronograph, or a highly-collectible modern Speedmaster, this example a hell of an option.