Buzz Aldrin Sells His Watches, From Space Classics to a Toy Story Model

Buzz Aldrin, the legendary astronaut who became the second human to set foot on the Moon, is parting with a significant portion of his personal watch collection. The sale, held at Sotheby's in New York, features 24 timepieces, offering a unique glimpse into the life of the Apollo 11 crew member.

While the collection boasts several remarkable pieces, it notably omits the most iconic watch Aldrin ever wore: the Omega Speedmaster Professional (reference 105.012-65). This historic timepiece, which accompanied him on his lunar excursion, was unfortunately stolen in 1971 during transit to the Smithsonian Institution.

The auction highlights Aldrin's diverse tastes and history with timekeeping. Among the offerings are an Omega Speedmaster Professional from the 1990s, acquired as a successor to his Apollo 11 watch and regularly worn; a rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea Chronograph from the late 1960s/early 1970s; an Omega Speedmaster X-33 Gen 2, a quartz model designed for astronauts; and an Omega Constellation Manhattan Day-Date.

Beyond individual watches, a special lot includes a box of eight commemorative timepieces. These watches, while perhaps not holding the same collector's value as the professional models, narrate aspects of Aldrin's life, including a Toy Story 3-themed watch and one associated with a school named in his honor. As described by Well.pl, the collection is not merely a display of luxury but a "private diary enclosed in watch cases."