Buzz Aldrin's Watch Collection Heads to Auction
Sotheby's New York is auctioning 24 watches from the personal collection of Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon. The collection features primarily Omega timepieces, including a 1990s Speedmaster Professional, an X-33, and a Constellation Manhattan Day-Date, alongside a Jaeger-LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea Chronograph. While Aldrin's Apollo 11-flown Omega Speedmaster is not included, the sale offers a rare glimpse into the astronaut's horological interests beyond his lunar mission.
- Collection includes Omegas and a Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Auction includes a 1990s Omega Speedmaster Professional
- Auction includes an Omega Speedmaster X-33 Gen 2
- Auction includes an Omega Constellation Manhattan Day-Date
- Auction includes a Jaeger-LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea Chronograph
- Auction includes a box of commemorative watches
- Bidding is open online, with live sessions starting July 15th
The collection includes a 1990s Omega Speedmaster Professional with a tritium dial and aged lume, acquired by Aldrin as a replacement for his Apollo-era watch.
An Omega Speedmaster X-33 Gen 2 is featured, noted for its blank caseback typical of military and NASA-issued models, suggesting Aldrin likely acquired it through official channels.
The Omega Constellation Manhattan Day-Date, nicknamed 'The Owl,' is a two-tone example with an inset gold Roman-numeral bezel and gold subdial rings, measuring 32mm.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea Chronograph is a late 60s to early 70s tool watch, potentially purchased by Aldrin for diving, featuring a dive bezel and signs of wear like oxidised spring bars and a scuffed crystal.
The JLC Shark Deep Sea is signed 'LeCoultre' on the dial, indicating it is a US market watch.
A box containing eight commemorative watches, collected by Aldrin over decades as keepsakes, is also part of the auction.