A Watch that Reached for the Stars--And Will Now Help Others Do the Same

You could feel the anticipation in the air as the packed room at Boston’s Royal Sonesta Hotel prepared to witness history. On April 17, 2025, RR Auctioneer Michael Chambers opened the bidding with a poignant reminder: “This watch brought us all here today.” Thanks to the generosity of Stefan Osdene, the owner of this extraordinary watch, that moment—and the impact that followed—was made possible.

The watch in question—an 18k solid gold Omega Speedmaster—once belonged to none other than Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon. Armstrong received this historic timepiece on November 25, 1969, just months after his monumental lunar landing, during a ceremony at the Hotel Warwick in Houston, Texas.

Exactly 56 years and 1,840 miles later, in another hotel ballroom—this time in Boston—a new chapter began.

Mark Armstrong and watch donor, Stefan Osdene.

Armstrong’s son, Mark, was in the room, watching as his father’s watch captivated the crowd once more. When the final gavel fell, the Speedmaster had sold for $2,125,000.

It marked another unforgettable auction moment witnessed by Doug LaViolette of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation—where timepieces not only tell stories, but transform lives.

Proceeds from the Armstrong auction will benefit charities personally selected by Mark Armstrong—organizations that reflect values his father held close, such as exploration, education, and service to others.

We are honored that funds will also support the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, which recognizes students who exemplify hard work, community service, and the courage to dream big. Together, these causes continue a legacy not only of great achievements, but of giving back—and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Stefan Osdene, founder of Wisconsin-based Cambridge Gold & Antiques; Bob Eaton and his entire team at RR Auction; Mark Armstrong and the Armstrong family; the watch community; and the media for helping shine a spotlight on this remarkable moment.

The legacy of this timepiece is no longer just about where it’s been—but where it’s going, and the many lives it will help shape along the way

TONIGHT: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Auction Opportunity

At 6PM ET tonight, live from the Royal Sonesta in Boston, Neil Armstrong’s personally worn watch goes up for auction through RR Auction.

Part of the proceeds benefit the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.

This is a historic moment—not only for collectors, space history enthusiasts, and watch lovers—but for the students whose futures will be forever changed by the generous bidders on this incredible timepiece.

The impact will stretch far beyond tonight—carrying forward a mission that honors hard work, community service, and the power of education.

We’d be incredibly grateful if you would share this exciting news with your network.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The LaViolette Family

& all the students we serve

One Small Step for Neil Armstrong’s Watch - One Giant Leap For Future Generations!

On July 20, 1969, as the world watched in awe, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. More than five decades later, a remarkable piece of his legacy has resurfaced—a solid gold Omega Speedmaster, owned and worn by Armstrong himself.

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation is deeply honored to be connected to this extraordinary discovery. The watch, now confirmed to have belonged to Armstrong, will be auctioned at RR Auction on April 17, with online bidding already underway.  

In an incredible gesture, the consignor has pledged a portion of the hammer price to support the Brian LaViolette Foundation’s mission of shaping future generations through scholarships. Additionally, proceeds from the auction will benefit a select group of charities chosen by Neil Armstrong’s son, Mark, including those that Neil Armstrong himself admired—a fitting tribute to a man whose pioneering spirit and generosity continue to make an impact.

When His Holiness Pope Francis donated a timepiece to the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation in 2022, the organization wondered how it could ever follow such a historic gift. If the opportunity ever came, it would have to be something that truly reflected the depth of that generosity and purpose. This moment is that opportunity.

Neil Armstrong

By taking part in this auction, you have the chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece of American history and Swiss craftsmanship—all while supporting causes that change lives, including scholarships that help students pursue their educational dreams and reach for the stars.

To learn more about the Armstrong watch—which, at the time of this posting has a current bid nearning $1.5 million—please see detailed photos at RR Auction.

 About RR Auction
Headquartered in Boston, RR Auction is a globally recognized and trusted source for rare manuscripts, autographs, and historic artifacts. Founded in 1976, RR Auction has curated and auctioned some of history’s most extraordinary items, including astronaut-owned timepieces and memorabilia from pioneering space missions. For more information, visit www.rrauction.com.
To Register or Bid:
RR Auction, Phone: (603) 732-4280, Email: info@rrauction.com

About the Brian LaViolette Foundation

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has been presenting scholarship awards since 1992, when 15- year- old Brian LaViolette was lost in a swimming accident.  Brian’s Foundation has presented over 1160 scholarships to date.  Learn more at www.laviolettefoundation.org

Contact:  Doug LaViolette, President. 920-655-4098, doug@laviolettefoundation.org

To Honor to Remember those who Serve

More than 50 million brave young men and women have served our country in uniform with honor. As proud Americans we salute their efforts.

We established the Scholarships of Honor program over two decades ago to recognize graduating high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service. Each award honors the service and sacrifice of our past and present military heroes.

Learn more at https://laviolettefoundation.org/scholarships-of-honor/about

Andrew Flok

"I would like to say thank you once again for the scholarship, which will be put towards my education through both tuition and tools for my trade.

Your support of me means a lot and I would like to thank you for offering scholarships to students like me, the few who will one day keep the lights on."

Andrew Flok, future Construction Electrician and 2024 Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College Scholarship recipient

Made possible by the Brian LaViolette Foundation

Watch Auction Results

To our incredible supporters,

We are beyond grateful to share that the recent Christie’s Watch Auction raised an astonishing $112,400 for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of donors worldwide, whose kindness and belief in our mission continue to inspire us every day.

Thank you!

A heartfelt thank-you to Christie’s Auction House for their exceptional dedication and hard work in making this event a success, and to Eric Wind, whose passion and leadership spearheaded this initiative and brought it to life.

Together, you are helping us honor Brian’s legacy by empowering students to achieve their educational dreams and make a difference in the world.

Your generosity is a testament to the power of community and the enduring belief that The Journey is the Reward.

With gratitude,

Doug, Renee, Kim, and Kristin – and students worldwide!

Doug LaViolette, pictured with his good friend Eric Wind on the day of the Christie's Watch Auction, wears a watch with incredible sentimental value, his son Brian’s treasured Casio. Once an everyday timepiece, Brian’s Casio W-26 is now considered vintage, making it a fitting tribute to Brian’s timeless memory.

*UPDATE* Beautiful pair of timepieces with presentation box being auctioned off to benefit Brian's Foundation

Important Update. . .The Christie’s auction showcased extraordinary generosity with every watch contributing to its success!  

One lot, donated by the Cornell Watch Company of Chicago, Illinois, exceeded all expectations!   Originally estimated at $5,000–$8,000, the lot achieved a stunning hammer price of $20,160, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication that defined this record-breaking contribution to the Brian LaViolette Foundation Watch Auction.  

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation would like to thank John and Chrissy Warren of Cornell Watch Company, and Roland G. Murphy for their generous time and donation. 

This pair of time pieces are being auctioned off at Christie’s through December 13th at 10:00am EST. You can bid and learn more here.

Unique Piece 1870 PC Wristwatch The unique piece, the 1870 PC (“Paul Cornell”), was created in partnership with Roland G. Murphy, known for crafting America’s finest timepieces since 1992. The 1870 PC is a tribute to the Cornell Watch Company’s highest grade pocket watches from the 19th century and it features a traditionally crafted double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial and thermal blued hands inspired by the original. Inside, the hand-decorated Schwarz Etienne ASE 200 automatic movement features 33 jewels, a micro-rotor, and an 86-hour power reserve. The watch’s 39mm case is crafted from a mix of brushed and polished 316L stainless steel and is hand assembled, rigorously tested, and warrantied by the RGM Watch Company. 

Paul Cornell Pocket Watch This gilt, full-plate, size-18 pocket watch was made entirely in Chicago and dates to 1873. It was intended for use as a high-grade railroad watch and features the original double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial, thermal blued hands, and a sterling silver stemwinding case. The movement is signed “Paul Cornell” and is the most elaborately decorated and precise movement grade originally offered by the Cornell Watch Company, featuring 19 jewels, some with gold settings, a lever escapement, and an index patent regulator. Paul Cornell was not only the namesake of the original Cornell Watch Company, but also the founder of Hyde Park, Chicago. Fewer than 10 “Paul Cornell” grade pocket watches are known to exist today. This specific example comes from the Cornell Watch Company’s private collection.

Charles Simon created this beautiful presentation box which will also go to the winning bidder.

True North-Wind Vintage watch fundraiser during WatchTime NYC

“RedBar is a community focused on our members and their love of watches, and we feel very strongly about supporting our community and encouraging support of charitable causes.

We’ve seen a big groundswell of support for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation within the RedBar community and the watch industry and community at large. 

Photo by Ty Alexander Photography

Photo by Megan Rainwater

“We want to leverage our annual Independents’ Night event, which we have held on the Wednesday before WatchTime New York for many years, to help shine further light on the Foundation and its work, and use the True North-Wind Vintage watch as a fundraiser during the event. We can’t wait to see how much we can raise that night!”

Kathleen McGivney, CEO, RedBar Group

Brian LaViolette Foundation Announces the Release of the Islander Journey Watch

After months of planning, thoughtful design adjustments, and the incredible hard work of dozens of skilled craftsmen, the Brian LaViolette Foundation is proud to announce the release of the Islander Journey Watch today.

Photo by Ty Alexander

This unique limited-edition timepiece was made possible through the generosity of Marc Frankel, owner of Island Watch, headquartered in New York. Marc was introduced to the LaViolette Foundation by Green Bay-based watch photographer Ty Alexander, whose personal connection with both families helped bring this meaningful collaboration to life.

Reflecting on the significance of the project, Marc Frankel has stated, "This is the most important project I've ever worked on."

Photo by Ty Alexander

The Islander Journey Watch not only celebrates Brian LaViolette’s legacy but also aims to introduce the Foundation to a global community of watch enthusiasts.

100% of proceeds from this special release will go toward building a new endowment fund for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship, continuing the Foundation’s mission of honoring hard work, community service, and academic achievement.

Photo by Ty Alexander

Each purchase of the Islander Journey Watch will include:

- A copy of the hardcover book *The Journey is The Reward*, which reflects on Brian’s legacy and the Foundation's inspirational mission.

- A custom deck of playing cards, exclusive to this release.

For more details on the watch and its release, be sure to visit the Long Island Watch YouTube Channel

Or their website here. You can also follow them on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/islanderwatch/

A teacher, a chemist and a keen football fan: 8 things to know about Pope Francis

By Sarah Koh of the Straight Times.

As Brian’s Foundation gears up for the 2024 Watch Auction through Christie’s, we are reminded of the 2022 Watch Auction benefiting the Brian LaViolette Foundation. We are still in awe of Pope Francis’s generosity of donating his watch… and it looks like so is the Straight Times in Singapore. Check out number 7!

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/a-teacher-a-chemist-and-a-keen-football-fan-8-things-to-know-about-pope-francis

1996 Swatch Olympic Portraits watch, new in the box and unworn. Swatch releases two main collections each year, and this watch from the spring/summer of 1996 celebrated Swatch being the official timing partner for the Atlanta summer games that year.

The images featured on the watch face and strap are photographs by Annie Leibovitz -- her signature is even featured on the back of the strap.

If you would like more information about the watch or are interested in purchasing it as a part of the Foundation's Legacy watch program, go to https://laviolettefoundation.org/1996-swatch-olympic...

Photographer signature, Annie Leibovitz

Only 70 made to honor Queen Elizabeth on her 70th Jubilee

This special and very limited Fears Brunswick 'Jubilee Edition' will be up for auction with proceeds benefiting the Brian LaViolette Foundation on December 11th in New York City through Christie’s. Please learn more about it from the company itself…

“We produced 70 watches to mark her late Majesty Queen Elisabeth’s Platinum Jubilee (1952 – 2022). The Brunswick ‘Jubilee Edition’ was exclusively made and sold during the Jubilee year of 2022, making it a perfect souvenir of this special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Originally it was planned to make an unlimited number during the Jubilee year of 2022, however, when she sadly passed in September that year it was decided to make no more and by chance we had made 70 which seem a very appropriate number to stop at.

As the brand's "Jubilee Edition," this timepiece features a Royal Purple dial, which perfectly replicates this historic color closely associated with Great Britain's royalty. Expertly made in Germany, this regal tone is created using a special kind of lacquer with different drops of pigment added to achieve the exact desired tone. It is finished with a light-catching sunburst pattern radiating from the dial's center. This effect is complemented by the concentric circle finishing on the sunken sub-seconds at 6 o’clock.

"Supporting the LaViolette Watch Auction and Foundation is deeply meaningful to us at Fears Watch Company. Having seen the incredible impact the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has had—awarding 1,160 scholarships since 1992 and helping students achieve their educational dreams—I'm personally inspired by their mission. Contributing to a cause that offers financial assistance and, more importantly, inspires and encourages young people to pursue their passions and make the world a better place resonates with my own values and those of our company."

— Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, (4th) Managing Director of Fears Watch Company

You can learn more about this beautiful watch here.

The Olympic Games bring a sense of togetherness.. and introducing the Legacy Watch Program

As the Olympic Opening Ceremonies begin today, we are reminded that throughout Olympic history, it is about more than sporting events. The Olympic Games are about creating legacies.

A Legacy can reveal itself in many different ways. It may come from your character and the life you lead. It may be a reflection of your faith, ethics, and core values. It may be monetary. Or a Legacy may be a wrist or pocket watch that tells a unique story and is passed on from generation to generation.  

Brian LaViolette started wearing his first watch when he was four years old. As he grew older, so did his watch collection, and by the time he was 15 years old, he had seven of them. 

Brian’s watch collection is the inspiration behind the 2024 LaViolette Foundation Legacy Watch Program, a unique concept that brings watchmakers and watch enthusiasts together to serve a higher purpose–to support a new generation of future leaders as they continue their educational journeys and build their own legacies. To find out more details please visit Legacy Watch Program. This program is in addition to a watch auction being held through Christie's this December.

Here are just a few of the Legacy watches that are part of the program... including several from past Olympic Games!

The 2024 LaViolette Watch Auction hosted by Christie's featuring two Vortic Military Edition Timepieces

We are proud to announce that the 2024 LaViolette Watch Auction will be held in New York City through Christie’s Auction House this December. The live auction will take place on December 11th and the online auction December 4-13th.

We can’t wait to continue to share more details with you but for now, we are really excited to share two watch donations from Vortic Watches. Please check them out!

Originally Master Navigator pocket watches, these two Vortic Military Edition timepieces are truly pieces of American history. The original antique pocket watch movements were manufactured for the US Army Air Corps by the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and used by navigators aboard B17s and other bomber aircraft during World War II. 

History is once again being made as the craftsmen at the Vortic Watch Company in Fort Collins, Colorado have brought these two incredible pocket watches back to life, now as wristwatches. Almost 80 years after their original use, the master watchmakers at Vortic have painstakingly rebuilt the pocket watch movements and then precision-machined the wristwatch cases from the highest grade US steel and titanium. 

John Krasinski in Season 4 of Jack Ryan wearing one of the watches that will be at Auction in December of 2024.

It seems fitting that both of these Vortic Military Edition watches were worn by John Krasinski and Michael Kelly, two of Hollywood’s leading men, who played the “good guys” as U.S. CIA Special Agents in seasons 3 and 4 of the Netflix series Jack Ryan. The watches were featured in dozens of action-packed scenes, even leaving marks on the watch cases and sweat stains on the leather bands as proof.

Michael Kelly, wore this Vortic Watch during season 3 and 4 of the series Jack Ryan.

Not to worry, if you are the lucky winning bidder, they’ve been completely serviced by Vortic’s watchmakers and are ready for you to write your own history for decades to come if you dare to wear them.

These watches not only represent the past, but they also will support a new generation of students.

Learn more about Vortic Watches on their website, https://vorticwatches.com/.

Highlights from 2021 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient.. you will want to read on!

Brady Wittig, of Ashwaubenon High School, received the Foundation’s 1000th Scholarship. He will be starting his last year at UW-Madison this fall. See what he has been up to…

• Is head manager for Wisconsin Men's Basketball team, where he is in charge of 17 other managers and works 40+ hours a week for the basketball team.

Brady, second from the left at the March Madness tournament

• Traveled on every road trip with the team, all over the country.

• Was promoted to Assistant Camp Director of our youth basketball camps this summer at Wisconsin.

• Is coaching an 11U AAU basketball team. “It's been very rewarding to coach and see the positive impact I can have on the young guys as they grow and mature.”

• AND is keeping up a 4.0 grade point average.   

Boarding a plane for another away game

“Going into my last year of college now, I am majoring in Neurobiology and getting an additional major in Education Studies. After I graduate, I'm keeping my options open but I'm planning on getting my Master's in Secondary Education to become a science teacher.

Thank you guys for having a huge impact on my life. I wake up every morning...and am reminded that the journey is the reward.”

Lauren Bonetti, 2020 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient graduates

A quick update! I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering this past weekend and I was awarded the Marquette Electrical Engineer of the Year award. On top of that, I also was the first graduate from Marquette to be commissioned into the Space Force as a Second Lieutenant. I will start my first assignment on active duty this August at Georgia Tech where I will get my master's degree in Electrical Engineering. 

I want to thank you and your family and the foundation for being a guiding light for me these past four years. I am so proud to be able to represent Brian and his legacy.

General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor awarded in Pilsen, Czech Republic

Adam Hečl received the 13th annual General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen, Czech Republic during a special ceremony during the Liberation Festival.

"The life of a volunteer changed a lot for me and taught me a lot. It brought me some new aspects, for example richer communication, the ability to ask for help, especially academic help, to be aware of my strengths but also my weaknesses. Although I don't know what the future holds, I know that my volunteering journey is far from over. On the contrary, it is just beginning, and I am sure that I will remain in my mission," Adam Hečl described in the essay.

Pictured here with Doug LaViolette who joined in on the presentation back in the States. General Patton's Grandson, Pat Waters, joined the presentation online as well.

Adam attended Gymnasium in Rokycany and is pursing a degree to become a teacher and historian.

"It was a miracle"

“Victoria was super surprised and blessed.  She opened the envelope after she got off stage and started crying.  She has been working and saving money to attend Youth With A Mission YWAM as a step of faith and training she wants to attain before full time college.  Her and her mentor were praying for God to provide the rest of the money she needed.  She has been working and saving and praying!  The amount of the scholarship was the exact amount she needed to go.  It was a miracle!  Thank you for being a part of this amazing testimony!”  - Heather Faulkner Young Life area director

Victoria Perez received the Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship during the 2024 Young Life Fashion show. She is pictured here with Young Life area director, Heather Faulkner.

After half a century, can a timepiece bring two soldiers together?

by Kristin Kreuser

This is a story about two different people in two different parts of the world.  For our purposes, their stories first begin in 1968.  And now, almost 56 years later, we are hoping that with your help, their paths will cross for the first time.  

Before you meet the two subjects of this story, we would like you to think back to December 31, 1968.  If you lived it, you might remember seeing the image of the very first EarthRise, captured by the astronauts of Apollo 8 a week earlier on Christmas Eve.  And if you didn’t live it, you have no doubt seen the captivating image of the illuminated Earth as the crew orbited the moon.  

Doug LaViolette on field maneuvers with the US Army in Germany during the summer of 1969.

When the U.S. Army newspaper Stars and Stripes hit the newsstands on that New Year’s Eve,  service men and women around the world were awestruck by that image of Earth.  It literally took their breath away.  Doug LaViolette was one of these servicemen.  As a young soldier, a kid actually, Doug wondered about his future and what the world would have in store for him.  Little did he realize that within a few years, he would meet the love of his life, Renee; they would be married in 1974; and matters would change from “I” to "us".  They would have two loving children, a son they named Brian, and a beautiful daughter christened Kimberly, and in September of 2024 they would celebrate 50 years of marriage.  

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. For the story to continue, we need to go back to that last day of 1968.  Doug was stationed in Augsburg Germany, knee-deep in the Cold War and the cold weather. On that same day half a world away, actually 5922 miles away, another soldier was at the House of Adler Vietnam Exchange, buying what was possibly his first “good watch” with his hard-earned combat pay.  We know that this soldier was an E4, serving with the 611th Transportation Company.  His name appears to be Thomas C. Neshah and his RA Service Number, 56xxxxxx.  

Photo by Doug LaViolette

How do we know all of this?  It’s written somewhat clearly at the bottom of the original receipt. Though we wonder, is his first name actually Thomas?  Or could it be Shane?  Or Sheamus?

The battle cry on the 611th Transportation Company unit patch seems so appropriate as we continue our story…

WHAT NEXT? 

The timepiece that this soldier so carefully selected and then, for decades, took such good care of, will be coming up for auction at the end of this year in New York City. 

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, formed in 1992 after Doug and Renee’s son Brian was lost in a swimming accident in Door County.  To date, this inspirational foundation has awarded over 1100 scholarships to high school students. 

In anticipation of this year’s auction, we would be honored to share more of the story of the soldier who first owned this Technos Sky Diver watch, but we wonder. . . 

Technos Sky Diver watch, photography by Ty Alexander Photography

Who is he and what has his life dealt him?  

Who were the other men in his unit and does he ever keep in touch with them? 

Did he marry? Did he have children? Might he have grandchildren? What did he do for a living? Did he ever wear the watch in combat or did he buy it right before he rotated home to the United States?

Dave Langenfeld, a good friend of the LaViolette family, discovered the watch in Sturgeon Bay.  From the little information that we have about the original owner, we know that he spends his summers in Door County and his winters in Florida.

Our hope is that now, over a half a century later, these two soldiers will have a chance to meet and share their stories.

Our hope is also that this Swiss-Made wristwatch will have an impact on a young student for decades to come.  

As our story comes to an end, for now, we are hoping for your help.  If you know who this soldier is, or if you know someone in his family, please reach out to Doug at (920) 655-4098 or doug@laviolettefoundation.org.