Omega Speedy German Certificate -- Need translation please

[bob1966tb]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and just posted an English to German translation of this post but... not sure if it went through correctly.

I just purchased a 1989 Speedmaster Pro Sapphire case back 345.0808. The watch came with a German "certificate" . I have the certificate in a PDF format but don't know how to post the PDF.

The Speedy has a series number on the caseback and supposedly the certificate details the background of this serial number.

Can someone help me with the translation ?

Again... I posted on the German side of this forum but... couldn't figure out how to upload the PDF.

Any help is greatly appreictaed !

Best regards,

Bob

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Hi Bob,

why don't you email me your PDF and I will translate you what you need.

I will send you my Email via PM.

Kind regards, Boris

[bob1966tb]

Hi,

Ok I hope I'm not posting too may times. I just uploaded the certificate as a JPEG on Photobucket.


My apology if I am posting too many times.

Best regards,

Bob

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Bob,

I emailed you a translation and hope it works. Wear the watch in good health.

[bob1966tb]

Boris,

Thank you so much for bringing me the translation of this certificate.

I appreciate very much your effort in this matter.

Best regards,

Bob

[Prof. Rolex]

Hi Bob,
that is an interesting certificate. The engraving on the backside according to the certificate should be: “Speedmaster - first watch worn on the moon”, but the addition “Apollo XI” is not mentioned. The 345.0808 was obviously built in two versions: one version without and one version with the “Apollo XI” inscription (like yours). As you know, my own 345.0808 for example does not have the “Apollo XI” inscription:



What I don´t understand at the moment is the date notified in your certificate: 1985/1989.

In your PM you mentioned also, that you have some questions regarding the “special” box of your 345.0808. Maybe you can also post a picture of the box here. And of course some pictures of your watch herself (incl. the backside) would be interesting.

Best Regards
Matthias

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Wow, the back of this Speedy looks phenomenal. Nice finishing. Interesting story about it as well.

Looking forward to see more pictures...

What explains that some Speedys have the reference to Apollo 11, and some dont?

[Donluigi]

Answering open questions via PN, indeed the perfect use for an open forum.

[bob1966tb]

Hi all,

I sent the PDF via PM so that a higher resolution could be seen by the translator.

Here is what Boris VERY kindly translated from the certificate:

++++++++++++++++++++
Page 1
++++++++++++++++++++

20 years “qualified
for space”
We congratulate
you to buying one
of the most
fascinating
timepieces that
made history.

++++++++++++++++++++
Page 2
++++++++++++++++++++

When NASA was
looking for a space
capable wristwatch
for their astronauts
in 1965, many
Chronographs
underwent
extremely tough
testing procedures.
The regular Omega
Speedmaster Pro
passed testing
successfully as the
only one and
received the award
(certification) of
“flight qualified by
NASA for all
manned space
missions”.
Since then 20 years
have passed and the
Omega Speedmaster
has accompanied
astronauts 45 times
on their missions to
space, alone 6 times
to the Moon.
Nearly everything
that was developed
for space flight back
then is obsolete
now. However, the
Omega Speedmaster
Pro is one of the few
things which still
participates in
unchanged form in
the new space
program of the 80s.
With the same
incomparable
precision as 20
years ago. With the
same technology
that cannot be
improved.

++++++++++++++++++++
Page 3
++++++++++++++++++++

Because when
NASA was looking
again for a
wristwatch to use
for the space project
“Space Shuttle”,
which would
withstand even
tougher conditions,
they applied a
neutral testing
procedure to
Chronographs of
major watchmakers
which would be a
lot tougher than the
previous two tests.
And again, the
Omega Speedmaster
Pro was the only
one which would
qualify.
Omega takes this
anniversary to the
cause – 20 years of
collaboration with
NASA – to produce
a limited and
numbered edition.
The Omega
Speedmaster Pro,
exclusively made
with a sapphire back
which gives insight
into the fascinating
workings of the
Chronograph
movement.
Engraved in the
back are the words:
“Speedmaster – first
watch worn on the
moon” – as valuable
memory of the past
and as challenge of
the future.

+++++++++++++++
Page 4
+++++++++++++++

Your Speedmaster
Pro carries the
number:
723
1985/9

+++++++++++++++

Now --- From the Omega warranty card -- the watch was sold in 1989. But... the commemorative certificate mentions 1985. My "guess" is that the watch was produced in 1985 and sold in 1989.

Just a "guess"

From Chuck Maddox's informative website, the 345.0808 WAS produced in BOTH a "Apollo XI" inscription AND a non "Apollo XI" model.

As stated earlier -- mine has the Apollo XI inscription.

It gets even more odd.

The serial number inscription on the caseback is " A0723" NOTE the "A" prefix !!!

Again, citing information from Chuck Maddox's website, the movement number of 863's doesn't follow the "normal" sequencing -- which makes it difficult to determine the year of manufacture of the movement.

My movement number is 48240XXX -- which MAY signify a production year of ?????

Anyway, I am also very excited about the watch !!

I'll post images late this afternoon and would certainly appreciate feedback on this "odd" 863 Speedy.

Again, thanks to Boris for the translation and all who have shown an interest in this particular Speedy.

Best regards,

Bob

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Bob, Tobias also gave you an excellent translation in the other sector of this forum where you posted. Take a look. Pretty strange stroy about your Speedy. I wonder if Omega could provide you more information? I know that they are very helpful, so I think it would be worthwhile to contact them?

[bob1966tb]

Originally posted by redsubmariner
Bob, Tobias also gave you an excellent translation in the other sector of this forum where you posted. Take a look. Pretty strange stroy about your Speedy. I wonder if Omega could provide you more information? I know that they are very helpful, so I think it would be worthwhile to contact them?

Hi All,

I did send a request to Omega.ch about 7 days ago -- no response yet.

To thicken the plot..............

My 345.0808 is on an Omega 1450 bracelet. Now -- one source states that this is correct for "normal" Speedy's in the 1985-1989 time frame. But..... another source shows that the 345.0808 model should be on an Omega 1498/840 bracelet.

I know.... I know... inquisitive minds want answers !!

I don't think this is a "put together" based on all the documentation I have -- certificate -- presentation box [ albeit a strange leather box from what I know of Omega boxes ] Omega warranty card -- and additional paperwork.

However, I suppose it could be a "put together".

I am happy with the watch and can accept the fact that there are some oddities about it. I guess that is why I am posting here to get additional feedback.

Again, images of the watch caseback [ to show the serial number ] -- dial -- leather presentation box etc to follow late this afternoon.

My daughter is away right now and she has the digital camera.

More to follow...............

Best regards,

Bob

[bob1966tb]

Hi All,

Well... my daughter took these images for me and I was asked to share them.

So here they are !

Note the "A0723" Serial -- don't understand the "A" prefix



Gilt Movement under Sapphire Case Back



"Odd" -- at least when compared to others that I have seen -- Leather Presentation Box





Last page of "certificate"



Anyway -- thoughts and feedback about this "odd" German Speedy circa 1989 are solicited and welcome.

Again -- this is possibly a "Put Together" but.... I don't think so. Still awaiting feedback from Omega.ch

Best regards,

Bob