Celebrity memorabilia auctions are trending hard these days, with recent estate collections from the likes of Gene Hackman, Matthew Perry, and Diane Keaton fetching impressive sums. Of all the pieces hitting the block, however, nothing generates as much buzz as a great celebrity-owned watch. The latest example comes via Sotheby’s recent Space Exploration auction, part of the auction house’s annual “Geek Week,” which included over 20 timepieces from the collection of Apollo 11 astronaut and second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin. While none of the pieces hitting the block were worn by Aldrin in space (his Omega Speedmaster from the mission was stolen on its way to the Smithsonian in 1971), there was plenty to tempt bidders, from a Moonshine Gold Speedmaster to a plastic Buzz Lightyear watch. Here are a few of the highlights.
Bulova Accutron Eagle Pilot Automatic Watch
Estimate: $2,800-$4,200
Sold for: $7,168
This rare Bulova was made in the 2010s as a tribute to Aldrin’s legacy as the pilot of Apollo 11’s lunar module. This specific model is believed to be an early prototype, with Aldrin’s signature and “Buzz Aldrin / Lunar Module Pilot” printed on the case back.
Citizen Promaster Hyper Aqualand Watch
Estimate: $2,800-$4,200
Sold for: $2,867
Aldrin was a passionate diver, and this 1980s dive watch is believed to have accompanied him on some of his undersea expeditions. An ancestor of the modern Aqualand collection, this was one of the first dive watches to contain an accurate electronic depth gauge, and also boasted a thermometer, a water sensor, and a host of other useful diving functions.
Buzz Aldrin’s Personal Group of Souvenir Watches
Estimate: $4,200-$7,000
Sold for: $7,526
Aldrin didn’t discriminate when it came to collecting watches, and while this box of eight assorted quartz timepieces doesn’t include any luxury brands, it’s no less collectible. Noteworthy examples include one from the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center featuring an image of the Mir space station on its dial, a souvenir from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and a watch believed to have been presented to Aldrin by the Buzz Aldrin Elementary School in Reston, VA.
Omega Constellation Day Date ‘Owl’ Ref. 396.1070
Estimate: $7,000-$11,200
Sold for: $8,960
One of the more interesting pieces in the auction was this 1980s two-tone Omega chronograph. With a case diameter of just 32mm, it’s a wee bit small for modern tastes (which might explain the relatively low hammer price), but it’s still a great piece with an even better backstory.
Omega Speedmaster HB-SIA ‘Solar Impulse’
Estimate: $8,400-$12,600
Sold for: $25,088
Unsurprisingly, Aldrin’s collection contained several Speedmasters, including this unusual titanium automatic chronograph GMT model from the 2010s. Dedicated to the Solar Impulse solar-powered flight initiative, of which Omega was a principal sponsor, it features a carbon fibre dial, a 44mm case, and a caseback decorated with the silhouette of the first Solar Impulse plane.
Omega Speedmaster 3861 in Moonshine Gold
Estimate: $56,000 – $84,000
Sold for: $98,560
The highest result in the auction was an aluminum Duro “Rocket” felt-tipped pen that Aldrin famously used to repair a broken Engine Arm circuit breaker switch, saving the mission and the crew, which fetched $1,200,640. The highest-selling watch, however, was this pink-gold 2026 Speedy, which normally retails for $70,000. It’s unclear whether Aldrin ever wore this watch, but given that this particular model is sold out at retail, the premium was well worth it for one lucky bidder.
