Is That Really Only Speedy Can Wear In The Moon?

[Trurolexer]

Hi, I don't think so. I don't like their propaganda "The First and ONLY Yadda Yadda In The Moon"!!! That's too much for me!!! I believe Daytona more good than Speedy specially in the movement. Do you guys agree? Why NASA until now only used Omega Speedy for their "mission"? Maybe because Omega "pay more" than Rolex do with their Daytona. I think if NASA do experience again between Speedy and Daytona, maybe Daytona can win the title, right guys? What do you think about that? Do you think the title "The First and ONLY..." is too much for you too? Please your opinion here. Thanks Guys.

P.S: Don't get me wrong I like Omega and Speedy too, I just don't agree if Omega claim their Speedy the only one can wear in moon.


Best Regards, TR.

[Andad]

IMO the test results backed the decision to use Omega.

http://home.xnet.com/~cmaddox/moonmovement.html

[SPACE-DWELLER]

The Daytona chronograph used back then actually failed all tests.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

The Daytona chronograph used back then actually failed all tests.

Daytona failed in all tests? DAMN!!! But I think Daytona today is moer better than the past Daytona model, right Bo? And if now, NASA do re-tests for new Daytona with the new Speedy, I think Daytona can beat the Speedy. Do you agree Bo?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Hard to say how well the current Daytona would do. The Omega Speedmaster is a tough one to beat.

BTW: You can read more about the Daytona and space here.

And here is an article on other watches used in space.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

The Daytona chronograph used back then actually failed all tests.

Daytona failed in all tests? DAMN!!! But I think Daytona today is moer better than the past Daytona model, right Bo? And if now, NASA do re-tests for new Daytona with the new Speedy, I think Daytona can beat the Speedy. Do you agree Bo?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Read my previous reply. I added some links for you to read.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Read my previous reply. I added some links for you to read.

Sorry Bo, I click that mouse pad twice...
Thanks for the article, specially the Daytona article. Really complete article.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Why NASA until now only used Omega Speedy for their "mission"? Maybe because Omega "pay more" than Rolex do with their Daytona.

Omega didn't pay anyone anything. NASA bought several brands of watches, tested them all, and they all failed except the Omega.

[frostie]

If all the watches failed except omega then omega is definetely a tough one to beat as Bo said

[Baptistman]

They were all aquired from retail shops and all went through the same batch of tests for which the speedy came through. I do believe that Jack Swiggert wore a GMT. I am also led to believe that the Omegas thereafter were supplied virtually FOC.

Today Timex and Casio are used but still only Omega are authorised by NASA for EVA's.

[StanGMT]

Originally Posted by directioneng

IMO the test results backed the decision to use Omega.

http://home.xnet.com/~cmaddox/moonmovement.html

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

The Daytona chronograph used back then actually failed all tests.

Originally Posted by Alcan

Omega didn't pay anyone anything. NASA bought several brands of watches, tested them all, and they all failed except the Omega.

Originally Posted by Baptistman

They were all aquired from retail shops and all went through the same batch of tests for which the speedy came through. I do believe that Jack Swiggert wore a GMT. I am also led to believe that the Omegas thereafter were supplied virtually FOC.

Today Timex and Casio are used but still only Omega are authorised by NASA for EVA's.

Hi All,

I'm finding this very interesting. But can any of you tell me - just what were the 'tests' that NASA conducted - what sort of performance indicators did they scrutinise and what were their criteria? I can imagine some of the tests - timekeeping accuracy; reliability; robustness/shock resistance; radiation tolerance; extreme temperature tolerance and bracelet integrity. Have I missed much?

Stan.

[mike]

Originally Posted by StanGMT

Hi All,

I'm finding this very interesting. But can any of you tell me - just what were the 'tests' that NASA conducted - what sort of performance indicators did they scrutinise and what were their criteria? I can imagine some of the tests - timekeeping accuracy; reliability; robustness/shock resistance; radiation tolerance; extreme temperature tolerance and bracelet integrity. Have I missed much?

Stan.

Check here Stan,

Click on NASA

http://www.lesmala.net/jean-michel/speedmaster/

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by mike

Check here Stan,

Click on NASA

http://www.lesmala.net/jean-michel/speedmaster/

Wow. Everything you could ever want to know about the Speedmaster. Great site!

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by StanGMT

Hi All,

I'm finding this very interesting. But can any of you tell me - just what were the 'tests' that NASA conducted - what sort of performance indicators did they scrutinise and what were their criteria? I can imagine some of the tests - timekeeping accuracy; reliability; robustness/shock resistance; radiation tolerance; extreme temperature tolerance and bracelet integrity. Have I missed much?

Stan.

This site also lists the tests.

http://www.classicwristwatch.com/Wat...In%20Space.htm

[StanGMT]

Originally Posted by mike

Check here Stan,

Click on NASA

http://www.lesmala.net/jean-michel/speedmaster/

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

This site also lists the tests.

http://www.classicwristwatch.com/Wat...In%20Space.htm

Thanks - those test situations aren't your typical 'going to the shops' conditions, are they?! It's common knowledge extreme temperatures and vacuum will be encountered on space missions, but it's only when you see the test results that you get a real feel for just how unforgiving and damaging the conditions are.

[Ed Rooney]

The Speedy is a great watch, and deserving of its place in history.

If a new competition was held today, I think the Speedy wins again.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

The Speedy is a great watch, and deserving of its place in history.

If a new competition was held today, I think the Speedy wins again.

Ed, I'd have to agree. The readability of Speedmaster is just fantastic.

[marshallr47]

I think Omega makes a great watch and can go toe to toe with Rolex however, the Rolex is better crafted and slightly more reliable than Omega. This is of course my opinion.

[Perdu]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

I think Omega makes a great watch and can go toe to toe with Rolex however, the Rolex is better crafted and slightly more reliable than Omega. This is of course my opinion.

Great information in those links - thanks guys.

The modern Rolexes are so refined they are pieces of art but I don't find my Omega less reliable. I would really enjoy having a Speedmaster but the various movements confuse me. Is the X-33 also used by NASA?

[armypilot]

Originally Posted by Perdu

Great information in those links - thanks guys.

The modern Rolexes are so refined they are pieces of art but I don't find my Omega less reliable. I would really enjoy having a Speedmaster but the various movements confuse me. Is the X-33 also used by NASA?

Yes sir, the X-33's are issued to the shuttle astronauts, but as I stated in my previous post, it is not certified for EVA, only for wear in the shuttle and ISS. The initial Speedmaster Professionals issued to the Apollo astronauts for wear on the moon had the cal. 321 movement. Subsequent Speedmaster Professionals issued after the Apollo program had the cal. 861 movement . The watches are issued to the astronauts and therefore must be returned to NASA.

[SSD]

Someone posted some articles a while back on TRF about a couple of astronauts wearing GMT's, including Sweigart. Its been a long time, but I seem to remember he was said to have worn both a GMT and a Speedy. If so, I'd like to know his recollections and opinions about them. Does anybody remember those threads?

Wow, talk about someting to treasure and one day pass along to the kids!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Hi, I don't think so. I don't like their propaganda "The First and ONLY Yadda Yadda In The Moon"!!! That's too much for me!!! I believe Daytona more good than Speedy specially in the movement. Do you guys agree? Why NASA until now only used Omega Speedy for their "mission"? Maybe because Omega "pay more" than Rolex do with their Daytona. I think if NASA do experience again between Speedy and Daytona, maybe Daytona can win the title, right guys? What do you think about that? Do you think the title "The First and ONLY..." is too much for you too? Please your opinion here. Thanks Guys.

P.S: Don't get me wrong I like Omega and Speedy too, I just don't agree if Omega claim their Speedy the only one can wear in moon.


Best Regards, TR.

Quite a interesting discussion about the moon-watch in this old in-forum thread and link below.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ght=MOON+WATCH

[armypilot]

To answer your question, Yes, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the watch NASA selected for issue to the Apollo astronauts. It was the only watch to be certified for all EVA's (Extra Vehicular Activities). It is said that astronaut Swiegert wore his personal Rolex GMT-Master along with his NASA issued Speedmaster on Apollo 13 and there is photographic evidence after capsule recovery that this actually was the case. There would not have been anything technically wrong with this due to Swiegert being the CM (Command Module) Pilot and he would not be taking part in any EVA's. In 1978 NASA conducted a second round of testing. All other watches, to include the Rolex Daytona's and GMT's failed NASA's test criteria and the Speedmaster Professional was again determined to be the only watch they would certify for EVA. Today on all shuttle missions the Speedmaster Pro is still used for all EVA's and is the ONLY watch authorized. If we were to go to the moon again, under current NASA regulations, the Omega Speedmaster Professional would still be the ONLY watch authorized. While inside the shuttle the astronauts are authorized to wear any personal watch they wish. NASA has also issued the Omega X-33 Speedmaster Professional with a quartz movement, but again this can only be worn while inside the shuttle. Hope this answers your question.

[mike]

Originally Posted by armypilot

To answer your question, Yes, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the watch NASA selected for issue to the Apollo astronauts. It was the only watch to be certified for all EVA's (Extra Vehicular Activities). It is said that astronaut Swiegert wore his personal Rolex GMT-Master along with his NASA issued Speedmaster on Apollo 13 and there is photographic evidence after capsule recovery that this actually was the case. There would not have been anything technically wrong with this due to Swiegert being the CM (Command Module) Pilot and he would not be taking part in any EVA's. In 1978 NASA conducted a second round of testing. All other watches, to include the Rolex Daytona's and GMT's failed NASA's test criteria and the Speedmaster Professional was again determined to be the only watch they would certify for EVA. Today on all shuttle missions the Speedmaster Pro is still used for all EVA's and is the ONLY watch authorized. If we were to go to the moon again, under current NASA regulations, the Omega Speedmaster professional would still be the ONLY watch authorized. While inside the shuttle the astronauts are authorized to wear any personal watch they wish. NASA has also issued the Omega X-33 Speedmaster Professional with a quartz movement, but again this can only be worn while inside the shuttle. Hope this answers your question.

Yep. It's my understanding Col. Swiegert's watch is now in the Rolex museum.

[armypilot]

Originally Posted by mike

Yep. It's my understanding Col. Swiegert's watch is now in the Rolex museum.

That is my understanding as well, Swiegert died of cancer in 1984 and I believe that is where his watch is today. They are both damn fine watches. I own a 1969 pre-moon Omega Speedmaster Professional and a 1980 GMT-Master.

[mike]

Originally Posted by armypilot

That is my understanding as well, Swiegert died of cancer in 1984 and I believe that is where his watch is today. They are both damn fine watches. I own a 1969 pre-moon Omega Speedmaster Professional and a 1980 GMT-Master.

Two beauties! That 16750 is fantastic!!

[DoxaDavid]

It would be fun if NASA decided to do another test with the current crop out but I have to agree the Speedmaster is a very fine watch and deserving of the title. I have owned one in the past and think they are worthy of all their accolades. Omega makes very good watches, period.

[armypilot]

[QUOTE=Trurolexer;443644]Hi, I don't think so. I don't like their propaganda "The First and ONLY Yadda Yadda In The Moon"!!! That's too much for me!!! I believe Daytona more good than Speedy specially in the movement. Do you guys agree? Why NASA until now only used Omega Speedy for their "mission"? Maybe because Omega "pay more" than Rolex do with their Daytona. I think if NASA do experience again between Speedy and Daytona, maybe Daytona can win the title, right guys? What do you think about that? Do you think the title "The First and ONLY..." is too much for you too? Please your opinion here. Thanks Guys.

P.S: Don't get me wrong I like Omega and Speedy too, I just don't agree if Omega claim their Speedy the only one can wear in moon.


Best Regards,

Do a little research. Like it or not, The Omega Speedmaster Professional was the only watch certified for wear on the moon during the Apollo missions and to this day is still the only watch certified for all EVA.

[Earl Camembert]

There were more timing devices on the lunar missions then the watches on Astronaut's wrists.

1969
An Accutron watch movement is part of the equipment placed on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on the moon. A Bulova timer is placed in the moon’s Sea of Tranquility to control the transmissions of vital data through the years.

1973
Three specially designed Accutron portable alarm clocks are placed on board NASA’s Skylab, the world’s first space laboratory, launched from Cape Kennedy.


Side note 1970
The Bulova Accuquartz men’s calendar wristwatch becomes the first quartz-crystal watch sold at retail in the United States. Made of 18-karat gold, it retails for $1,325 ($7,267 in 2007 dollars). If the Rolex DD kept pace with inflation in 1970 it would have cost $4,073 ($22,400 in 2007 dollars). This was the beginning of the dark years for high end mechanical watches.

About a year later I bought a Seiko quartz watch for nearly $400 ($2,000 in 2007 dollars) if I recall. I still have the watch but the LCD has long died.

Just as video killed the radio star, the quartz boom of the late 1960s and early 1970s nearly snuffed out the mechanical timepiece faster than you can say "Seiko." By substituting low-cost, digital technology for labor-intensive artisanship, the Japanese sent the Swiss horology industry into crisis mode. Yet while most of Geneva's watch houses feverishly hitched their star to the digital bandwagon, Rolex stuck resolutely to its mechanical guns. By the time the dust had settled, more than half of Geneva's watch manufacturers had gone under.