Buzz Aldrin is auctioning a large portion of his personal watch collection
Buzz Aldrin is auctioning a large portion of his personal watch collection
Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, is auctioning a significant portion of his personal watch collection through Sotheby’s New York’s 2026 Space Exploration auction. The sale, which includes 24 timepieces from the astronaut’s lifetime of collecting, highlights his deep connection to horology and his legacy as a pioneer in space exploration. While the iconic Omega Speedmaster he wore during the Apollo 11 mission remains lost to history, the auction features a range of other notable pieces, from vintage Omegas to unique commemorative watches and a box of sentimental souvenirs.
The auction, which opened for online bidding ahead of live sessions starting on July 15, 2026, showcases Aldrin’s diverse tastes and experiences. Among the highlights is a limited‑edition Omega Speedmaster 3861 in Moonshine Gold, estimated at USD $40,000–$60,000. This newer model is presented in like‑new condition with its original box and papers, symbolising Aldrin’s enduring association with the brand. Another key piece is a stainless‑steel Speedmaster Professional from the 1990s, described by Aldrin as a “continuation of his passion for watch collecting,” and estimated at USD $8,000–$12,000. Unlike the lost Apollo 11 Moonwatch, this watch carries a clearer personal history.
Aldrin’s collection also includes a rare Jaeger‑LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea, a late‑1960s to early‑1970s diving chronograph. Hodinkee notes that the dial is signed “LeCoultre” and speculates it was bought to accompany Aldrin on scuba dives. It is estimated at USD $8,500, below market value for the model. The auction also features an Omega X‑33 “NASA,” a quartz watch flight‑qualified and still used in space missions, and a Constellation Day‑Date “The Owl,” a two‑tone model that Aldrin wore regularly.
One of the most compelling items is a box of eight quartz souvenir watches, collected over decades as keepsakes of significant life events. The group includes a Toy Story 3 watch, a Rodeo Drive Art & Performance commemorative Swatch, a Boeing watch depicting the International Space Station, and other pieces tied to Aldrin’s Korean War service, his elementary‑school namesake, and more. The box is estimated at USD $3,000–$5,000. Hodinkee wrote, “This collection is proof of a man’s life,” emphasizing how the watches encapsulate his roles as diver, educator and historical figure.
The auction also includes a Bulova Accutron “Eagle Pilot” watch produced in Aldrin’s honour, engraved with his signature and Apollo 11 references. Though still sealed in its protective plastic, it is valued at USD $2,000–$3,000 as a commemorative piece. Another notable item is a Citizen Promaster Hyper Aqualand, a mid‑1980s dive watch with an electronic depth gauge, thermometer and water sensor, estimated at USD $2,000–$3,000. This watch reflects Aldrin’s practical approach to timekeeping, linked to his background in diving and astronaut training.
The absence of Aldrin’s original Apollo 11 Moonwatch, which was lost during transit to the Smithsonian in 1971, is noted by both Sotheby’s and Hodinkee, who explain that the timepiece remains U.S. Government property and will never be sold. The loss underscores the auction’s focus on Aldrin’s post‑moonwalk life rather than the singular moment that defined his legacy. Hodinkee observed, “The watches he held on to for decades… are an insight into which watches spoke to him enough to keep and wear regularly.”
The auction’s broader context includes other space‑related artifacts, such as a circuit‑breaker switch from Apollo 11 and a T. rex skeleton, highlighted in Sotheby’s “Geek Week” editorial. While some experts question whether the collection will generate the same fervour as pieces from pop‑culture icons like Paul Newman or Steve McQueen, the enduring fascination with space exploration and Aldrin’s role suggests a dedicated audience.
As the auction approaches, collectors and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how these pieces will fare. For many, the sale represents more than a transaction—it is a chance to own a fragment of history tied to a man who helped humanity reach for the stars. Hodinkee concluded, “Buzz Aldrin is an explorer and historical figure who’s also instrumental in watch history. His appeal will endure far beyond the reach of mid‑century pop culture.”
