The June 2024 Fratello × REM Strap — Apollo 11
On the last Tuesday of every month, together with the Swedish REM company, we introduce a new strap for the Omega Speedmaster. As July 2024 marks the 55th anniversary of the Moon landing, we introduce the Apollo 11 strap to you. It’s also in time to have it on your wrist on July 20th, which marks the official date of one of mankind’s greatest accomplishments.
Apollo 11
On that date in 1969, NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin landed the Lunar Module “Eagle” on the Moon’s surface. A few hours later, on July 21st, they climbed down the ladder and were the first humans to set foot on the Moon. The third astronaut, Michael Collins, stayed in the Command Module “Columbia” that flew in lunar orbit, waiting for the “Eagle” to rejoin him.
Buzz Aldrin and his Speedmaster Professional — Image: NASA
Where are the Apollo 11 crew’s Speedmasters today?
When Armstrong set foot on the Moon and spoke his famous words (“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind”), he was not wearing his Speedmaster Professional. Due to a defective board clock, he left his watch in the Lunar Module. Therefore, Aldrin’s Speedmaster Professional ref. 105.012 was the first watch worn on the Moon. As you may know, his watch was later lost when being shipped to the Smithsonian Museum. Both Neil Armstrong’s (here) and Michael Collins’s (here) Speedmaster Professional watches are on display at the National Air and Space Museum.
Buzz Aldrin talking Speedmasters in 2017, wearing a modern Moonwatch (and an X-33).
Omega often introduces a Speedmaster Apollo 11 edition every five years. The last time was in 2019 when the brand released a special steel and gold Speedmaster Professional on a flat-link bracelet and a Moonshine Gold Speedmaster Professional that was similar in appearance to the original gold Speedmaster presented to all active NASA astronauts in 1969. Let’s wait and see whether Omega will have a Speedmaster Apollo 11 55th Anniversary edition in store this year.
Fratello × REM Apollo 11
Anyway, for this month’s Fratello × REM strap, we used the official Apollo 11 mission patch for inspiration. On the long end, the eagle floats above the Moon’s surface. On the short end, there’s a small image of Earth between “Apollo 11” and “1969 – 2024.” We chose a black strap as the base, with black stitches and silvery-white paint for the graphics. The lining of the strap indicates it’s the June 2024 edition, in case you’re collecting them.
This 2.5mm-thick strap measures 127mm on the long end and 74mm on the short end. The 20mm version tapers to 18mm wide at the steel pin buckle. The Fratello × REM Apollo 11 strap also comes with a buckle that, as always, bears an engraved Fratello signature.
Generally, we can only source limited quantities of our Fratello × REM straps, including this new Apollo 11 model for May 2024. However, rest assured that we will keep restocking throughout the year. Click here for an overview of all of them and their availability.
The Apollo 11 strap is available now
REM Straps only uses organic Swedish leather. The entire production process, including the stitching and laser engraving, occurs in Sweden. This strap is available in our shop today for €107 (excluding VAT).
In addition, Fratello is offering free shipping for purchases over €150, so don’t miss out on our #SpeedyTuesday caps (all versions are back in stock.)
