posted 11-29-2016 02:57 PM
The bezels are first seen missing on the watches worn by Stafford and Schirra on Gemini 6.
The question regarding the missing bezels on the newly issued Speedmasters was addressed by James Ragan last year.
Ragan raised concerns about the Hesalite crystals being used in space. His concern was that when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time the crystal might deform. His testing confirmed that exposing the watch to prolonged heat comparable to direct sunlight would result in the crystal deforming and on several occasions even popping off. He noted that when the crystal would deform or flex it would cause the bezel to pop off. He also said that it was not uncommon for them to proactively remove the bezels as "We traveled too fast to use them." He said they just didn't serve much purpose.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 11-30-2016 09:36 AM
Learned the same details in the Omega Museum, that's why the Alaska 1 red case was made to protect the watch from vibrations especially due to movement of the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Although the watch movement itself was amply protected by using different alloys for small axis and several oils for lubrication.
The January 2017 edition of the book "Omega Speedmaster Apollo Soyuz" by Marco Stanga will address some of these issues.
Although the bezel something came loose by "carelessness," seen that with watches of Borman, Cernan, Slayton and we would have to find out if these were ever removed by astronauts on purpose to avoid FOD hazard onboard the capsule but I think the probability is small. Let's wait what James H. Ragan will have to say on this issue.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1413 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 11-30-2016 06:50 PM
quote:Originally posted by TLIGuy: He noted that when the crystal would deform or flex it would cause the bezel to pop off.
That would explain what happened to Dave Scott's Omega watch while on the lunar surface.
As for the bezels, I was referring to the gold commemorative watches. Those bezels came off occasionally due to over use.
Why don't we ask the guys who wore them? While they may not remember, it is worth a shot. I can get to a few of these guys. We can also look at photos too. I have seen many photos, but I have looked hard enough to see if the bezels were not on the watches in space.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 238 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 12-01-2016 02:19 AM
It does explain what happened to Scott's watch and also Duke's. I can't put my hands on it now but there is a report addressing the anomalies with the crystal concluding that no additional action is required.
I should have been clearer that I was only referring to the stainless steel flight issued watches. The problem with the gold Speedmaster bezels might be due to the soft nature of the gold.
I hope one day more light will be shed on the watches by the astronauts themselves but I think the kind of details we are looking for have sadly been lost to time. I hope I'm wrong.
My favorite Speedmaster recollection so far came from Walt Cunningham when I asked if there was a checklist item reminding them to wind their watch.
His reply:
We were all pretty bright guys back then. In the good old days all watches needed winding and we were smart enough to wind them everyday.
Dr. Mitchell's reply to the same question with a bit of his sense of humor coming through.
I wore a Rolex. I didn't need to wind it.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 12-03-2016 05:38 AM
quote:Originally posted by TLIGuy: The problem with the gold Speedmaster bezels might be due to the soft nature of the gold.
Correct!
moorouge Member
Posts: 2486 From: U.K. Registered: Jul 2009
posted 12-07-2016 12:33 PM
quote:Originally posted by TLIGuy: ...reminding them to wind their watch.
I own an automatic Omega Speedmaster. Last year I had the pleasure of showing it off to Jim Lovell. He expressed surprise that there was such a thing as an automatic version of the "astronauts'" watch.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 238 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 12-08-2016 01:54 AM
Captain Lovell is also a fan of the Rolex 1675 GMT. The well worn GMT he still wears today can be seen in photographs going back to Apollo 8. His Rolex is truly unique as well having the coat of arm of the United States Naval Academy printed on the dial.
moorouge Member
Posts: 2486 From: U.K. Registered: Jul 2009
posted 12-08-2016 10:26 AM
Further to my previous post - covering up the watch he was wearing I asked Jim if the six was Arabic or Roman. Much to his amusement, he eventually confessed that he wasn't sure. Of course, the watch didn't have a six as such.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 12-14-2016 07:13 AM
44 years ago Apollo 17 LM Challenger took off and left the moon... tribute on MoonWatchUniverse.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50580 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-10-2017 05:17 AM
Omega has introduced a new limited edition Speedmaster Professional, the "Speedy Tuesday," available only by pre-ordering online.
For half a decade, an online community of #SpeedyTuesday fans has been steadily growing around the world. In tribute to these chronograph devotees, OMEGA is proud to introduce a new Limited Edition model that blends some of the Speedmaster's most popular design features.
The "Speedy Tuesday" takes its first design influence from the original 1978 "Speedmaster Alaska III" model. This watch was produced for NASA, who insisted on a watch that was anti-reflective and easy-to-read in space. For that reason, the "Speedy Tuesday" has stayed true to these qualities with a brushed matt-finish stainless steel case and radial subdials with enlarged numerals...
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 238 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 01-10-2017 08:28 AM
Well done RJ and Omega. This watch strikes the perfect balance between honoring the rich history of the Speedmaster that a collector can appreciate and also has great crossover appeal to the modern watch buyer.
If this is any indication where Omega might be heading towards 2019 than I'm excited to see what comes down the pike.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 01-12-2017 11:17 AM
At 31:15 onwards, nice time lapse of the Omega Speedmaster 861 chronograph at work in the Apollo 17 heat flow experiment.
LM-12 Member
Posts: 3791 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2010
posted 01-13-2017 02:30 AM
I guess you missed it, but the same footage was mentioned back on page 6.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 01-13-2017 04:42 AM
quote:Originally posted by LM-12: This photo shows several Omega Speedmaster watches in storage where the qualification testing was done. Can you match names to those numbers?
In fact those photos date much later then the October 1964 to February 1965 test period. Look carefully, that Speedmaster has a Professional dial, while the Speedmaster chronographs that were tested were 105.003, the last Speedmaster series with straight lugs!
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1413 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 01-13-2017 03:26 PM
If you are talking about the photo of the Speedys in the white tray, that photo was taken after 1976. As mentioned on page 6, the watches included the one that Stafford used on ASTP.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 01-18-2017 03:54 AM
Did we already discuss the extra bit at the velcro strap near John Young's Speedmaster? Clearly seen in Apollo 16 lunar EVA photos such as AS16-109-17804...
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 01-18-2017 04:34 AM
A tiny mirror worn by both Duke and Young... with thanks to John (TLIguy).
Panther494 Member
Posts: 568 From: London UK Registered: Jan 2013
posted 01-18-2017 05:25 PM
Weren't they also worn on Apollo 17, but on separate Velcro straps on the opposite wrist to the Speedy?
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 02-08-2017 03:15 AM
Probably, check Apollo 17 magazine 134/B.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 02-15-2017 03:23 AM
This year (2017) marks 60 years of the Speedmaster. Omega's press kit.
Celebrating the past six decades of the Speedmaster, OMEGA proudly presents this tribute to the chronograph’s lifetime. These 60 memorable models each tell a unique story and whether they are rare editions, special tributes or significant for their technology or design...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50580 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-15-2017 06:23 AM
Omega video release
How did the Speedmaster get qualified for NASA's manned missions? NASA engineer Jim Ragan describes the extreme testing in 1964 and the surprising results.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 02-26-2017 08:39 AM
Question concerning the Mir-flown Speedmaster chronographs. Respectively 90 days and 365 days on Mir. Wondered if these were taken to the Russian space station on manned Soyuz missions or on unmanned Progress supply missions?
December 1990: 10 Speedmasters (Soyuz TM-11)?
July 1993: 35 Speedmasters (Soyuz TM-17 return TM-18)?
As there were no Progress missions for those months, the answer is clear, but during which mission did the first bunch of 10 return to Earth in March 1991? Progress M-6?
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 02-27-2017 01:07 AM
The caseback of those ten "90 Days Flight Qualified" Speedmasters has the inscription "Spacelab MIR Dec. 90-Mar. 91."
For a marketing person there's probably no difference between Spacelab (a reusable European laboratory flown in the shuttle's cargo bay) and the Mir space station. So let's guess that these were flown on Soyuz TM-11, stayed on board Mir for six months, but were unpacked for testing during 90 days...
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-08-2017 10:10 AM
60 years Omega Speedmaster video
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-20-2017 03:06 AM
A quick walk in the current Omega museum, which will be relocated across the street into the new Omega HQ building in Bienne CH:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50580 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-22-2017 09:51 AM
Omega is introducing several new Speedmaster chronographs at Baselworld this week, but they do not appear to include any space-related models. The novelties include:
Update: I spoke too soon: Omega will be introducing a Speedmaster "Apollo XVII" Limited Edition in tribute to the late Gene Cernan. The details are not yet on their site, but it can be seen here (thanks to John [TLIGuy] for the heads-up).
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1413 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 03-22-2017 06:51 PM
This Cernan watch is a little too soon. We just buried the man in January.
Panther494 Member
Posts: 568 From: London UK Registered: Jan 2013
posted 03-22-2017 07:48 PM
I agree, too soon. Not very impressed by the watch either. Tend to prefer the simplicity of the original, black and white. A nicely engraved caseback would have been fine, as the Apollo XVII 30th anniversary model.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-23-2017 10:42 AM
Indeed, an Apollo 11 Limited Edition commemorative watch should resemble the classic 105.012 and 145.012 reference Speedmaster chronographs!
328KF Member
Posts: 1389 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 03-23-2017 11:46 AM
I might give Omega a break on this. Cernan was a "brand ambassador" of theirs for years and they had a close relationship with him. Perhaps this was just their way of honoring him after his passing.
That said, I agree that this is a less than stellar effort on their part. It looks like a blue "racing" Speedmaster dial. Plus this now makes three commemorative Cernan models.
On the other comments, Omega has made some great strides since introducing the First Omega in Space in 2012. The vintage straight lug case design is very popular and every year they offer more models like that. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a straight lug "Ed White" model in the future.
The one thing they won't go for is a 321 movement. The 1861 is here to stay, as much like the bracelets, the company claims the 321 doesn't meet modern standards anymore.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 238 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 03-23-2017 12:01 PM
quote:Originally posted by 328KF: I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a straight lug "Ed White" model in the future.
This is something I would love to see. I was disappointed that in 2015 Omega didn't use the FOIS case to produce a GT-4 50th anniversary piece. While a fantastic watch was produced for the 40th anniversary I think they missed the boat not recognizing the 50th anniversary that put their watch on the map.
328KF Member
Posts: 1389 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 03-26-2017 04:46 PM
There is the stainless steel Apollo XVII limited to 1972 pieces and now Omega has revealed a blue-faced, gold case version limited to just 72 watches.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-27-2017 08:47 AM
"Speedmaster For Space," an article celebrating 55 years of Omega Speedmaster in use on NASA spaceflight missions will appear on page 178 of the May 2017 issue of BIS Spaceflight magazine.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 04-13-2017 04:01 AM
quote:Originally posted by Philip: Certainly something to ask Stafford if he flew his golden tribute no. 13 Speedmaster in his PPK on board ASTP.
The new edition of Moonwatch Only states an amazing claim on page 32:
Further to the official count of 11 Speedmasters, LtGen Thomas Stafford wore his personal 18k gold Speedmaster Professional he had received after the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969.
(That's the gold tribute Speedmaster reference 145.022 with maroon bezel.) Something new?
minipci Member
Posts: 421 From: London, UK Registered: Jul 2009
posted 04-13-2017 07:49 AM
Spotted this article on CNN describing the upcoming sale of Winston Churchill's Lemania watch at auction. In the article it states that Lemania made movements for other manufacturers, especially Omega.
So this raises the question, was his watch a precursor of the Speedy?
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1413 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 04-22-2017 02:31 PM
Two items of note.
I talked with Stafford yesterday and he confirmed that he did not take him gold Speedmaster on the ASTP mission. He was very quick to say that he took two Speedmasters with one on each wrist.
Lemania has been linked with Omega for ages. Lemania manufactured the 321 and 861 movement from the beginning. The two companies allied into the SSIH in the early part of the 20th Century. Now Swatch Group owns both entities. Lemania made the base movements for the 321 and 861 movements and have slight differences from the Lemania movements of that time.
Omega had been making chronographs since 1898 as pocket chronographs. The first wrist chronographs made by Omega were the CHRO in 1913 with an 18 calibre.
It is interesting when one learns that the majority of all movements are made by one manufacturer. The Lemania 5100 being the base for almost all Swiss mechanical watches. But the Lemania movement is one of the granddads of all time.
But that is another long story.
In the end, the movements are similar with slight differences in parts, but the watch cases, dials, hands and crystals are unique to the watch manufacturer.
Philip Member
Posts: 6217 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 04-25-2017 07:31 AM
During the last few months our small cS discussion group could confirm one and the other about "flown" Speedmaster chronographs. Now we'll have to wait until we get an update with a replacement table, which will be provided by NASA, Omega and National Air and Space Museum representatives on the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50580 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-25-2017 04:13 PM
From Buzz Aldrin on Twitter:
We've made it to London to celebrate the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary. The best space watch and the one I wore on the moon.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1413 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 04-26-2017 12:34 PM
quote:Originally posted by Philip: ...until we get an update with a replacement table
I have a complete list of Omega serial numbers from GT-5 to ASTP.
On edit: The serial numbers on all the Speedys from GT-5 to ASTP are available. There are three missing watches. Aldrin #43 (lost by Aldrin; never recovered by NASA), Eisele #34 (stolen from a display in Ecuador in 1989; never recovered by NASA) and Roosa #71 (never recovered by NASA).
All the rest were accounted for in 1976.
We've made it to London to celebrate the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary...
And I was in that London Boutique two weeks ago.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4523 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 04-26-2017 05:31 PM
You should have called Larry!
posted 11-29-2016 02:57 PM
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