Omega Speedmaster Gemini 4 Special (Limited) Edition:

Jorge Merino Posts: N E W M o d e l &endash; Omega Speedmaster Gemini 4 Special Edition [Mar 30, 2005 - 07:54 AM] This special Speedmaster model, created for Baselworld 2005, commemorates not only the 40th anniversary of the first space walk, but also the 40th anniversary of the Speedmaster's flight qualification for manned spaceflight missions. These important milestones are celebrated with a distinctive model with a blue dial and matching blue aluminium ring on the steel bezel. Only 2,005 pieces will be made. The Gemini 4 limited-edition Speedmaster is characterised by its blue dial and silver counters for the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters and continuous seconds. The blue theme is also continued on the bezel, with the familiar tachymeter scale reproduced on a blue aluminium ring. The commemorative nature of the timepiece is indicated by a subtle red engraving 1965-2005 below the Speedmaster name at 12 o'clock on the dial. The applied Omega symbol above the name, as well as 12 rhodium-plated hour markers, also add a hint of luxury and indicate that this Speedmaster is special. In all other respects, the watch remains a classic Speedmaster, with the same case, bracelet and hesalite crystal found on the "Moon Watch" - the standard Speedmaster Professional model. Movement is the hand-wind Omega caliber 1861. However, one of its most striking features is destined to remain hidden most of the time, since it is the distinctive Gemini 4 mission patch, bearing the names of the crew, McDivitt and White, and an illustration of the first space walk, that is etched in colour on the sapphire crystal case back with the engraving "First Space Walk 40th Anniversary" and the limited-edition number (0001/2005). For the most part the watch looks much better than I had expected based on the rumors I couldn't comment upon. The only thing I don't care for are the rhodium subdial hands, which will be hard to read on the silver subdials. A mistake Omega made on the Mitsukoshi and 35th Anniversary edition Speedmasters as well. On the other hand this leaves the door open for Omega if they wish to produce any of these models in the standard product line, they can change the hands and proceed full speed ahead. Thanks. Jorge. THANK YOU Jorge for your postings! For my part, I believe (unless something else pops up betwix now and then) this one will be #10 and I'll have to do a new Moonwatch Spread before the end of the year. For those of you who are not familiar with the significance of the Gemini 4 mission I post a portal and link to my article "35 years ago today…" which was literally the only mention of the Ed White Spacewalk anniversary anywhere in the media with the possible exception of NASA's website nearly 5 years ago... It was 35 years ago today - (4 June 1965 - 4 June 2000) Enjoy! -- Chuck