Is That Really Only Speedy Can Wear In The Moon?

[armypilot]

Originally Posted by 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.

Earl, you are absolutely right, but all of them remained in a controlled pressurized environment. The Speedmaster Professional was, and is still the only time keeping device that is authorized by NASA to be exposed to the vacuum of space. I know a little bit about NASA and the subject of its watches. Here is a picture of me in 1995.

[Earl Camembert]

Get those sides trimmed solider. That blue uniform is making you soft

[DC watchman]

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.

Your lack of knowledge and arrogance in assuming Omega pays for product placement on manned space missions is mind blowing.

Forget the 'will having a Rolex get me chicks??" posts. This is now the dumbest post I have ever seen on any watch forum.

[armypilot]

Originally Posted by DC watchman

Your lack of knowledge and arrogance in assuming Omega pays for product placement on manned space missions is mind blowing.

Forget the 'will having a Rolex get me chicks??" posts. This is now the dumbest post I have ever seen on any watch forum.

I second that! Wish some people would do a little research before posting personal opinions as fact.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by DC watchman

Your lack of knowledge and arrogance in assuming Omega pays for product placement on manned space missions is mind blowing.

Forget the 'will having a Rolex get me chicks??" posts. This is now the dumbest post I have ever seen on any watch forum.

C'mon don't be so angry, Man. Just for killing time thread. I already said before i like Speedy too, and considering to buy one in the future, specially the Speedmaster Pro 50th Anni is a GREAT looking watch. All I want to say is "if" NASA do some tests again today, maybe Daytona or Breitling Navitimer can pass the tests too. Ok Bro?

[DC watchman]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

C'mon don't be so angry, Man. Just for killing time thread. I already said before i like Speedy too, and considering to buy one in the future, specially the Speedmaster Pro 50th Anni is a GREAT looking watch. All I want to say is "if" NASA do some tests again today, maybe Daytona or Breitling Navitimer can pass the tests too. Ok Bro?

I am not your bro. I am not angry either. Just think you need to look beyond Rolex and realize that there are a lot of great watches out there.

[Subfiend]

I also know three shuttle astronauts. All wore Omegas on multiple missions (nine or ten between the three of them). Two performed EVAs, on which they wore Speedys. One of these two currently wears a Rolex and has been on the Jury for the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

We are pretty serious about this issue in my house. So much so that when I took my young son to the X-PRIZE winning flight of SpaceShipOne, he insisted on wearing his Dad's "Moon Watch."

[mikey]

I agree with Padi on a old post so long ago bringing interest but the Daytona used probably had a Zenith or ETA based movement and improvements to the movement had not been made during its evolution.I recalled auction for the first Daytona worn in space and sold for serious cheese.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by mikey

the Daytona used probably had a Zenith or ETA based movement and improvements to the movement had not been made during its evolution.

the movement wasn't the issue. The second hand warped and bound up.

[Remember2]

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.

Dude! ...dry your eyes, and buy one of these:

http://www.gasgasbones.com/page15.html

[Gedanken]

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.

Uh dude, the statement in red is what most of the guys are objecting to. Omega passed all of the tests while the others didn't and it won fair and square, so implying that Omega bought off NASA is really an unfair accusation whether you meant it or not. I'd recommend retracting that statement.

As for a modern-day match-up, it's a bit of a moot point IMHO - it's kinda like trying to debate if Schumacher was better than Clark.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Uh dude, the statement in red is what most of the guys are objecting to. Omega passed all of the tests while the others didn't and it won fair and square, so implying that Omega bought off NASA is really an unfair accusation whether you meant it or not. I'd recommend retracting that statement.

As for a modern-day match-up, it's a bit of a moot point IMHO - it's kinda like trying to debate if Schumacher was better than Clark.

Ok, I'm sorry about that. But I think that just my opinion, no need somebody here said about dumbest thread or lack of knowledge whatsoever. Arrogance? Me? I don't think so! I'm just dumbest man. Why I'm in this Forum? Because I'm lack of knowledge, that's why I'm here. I need to learn more from you guys about watches specially about Rolex knowledge. Or I'm in the wrong Forum? This is not Omega Forum, right? Or I'm wrong? J/K...

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Ok, I'm sorry about that. But I think that just my opinion, no need somebody here said about dumbest thread or lack of knowledge whatsoever. Arrogance? Me? I don't think so! I'm just dumbest man. Why I'm in this Forum? Because I'm lack of knowledge, that's why I'm here. I need to learn more from you guys about watches specially about Rolex knowledge. Or I'm in the wrong Forum? This is not Omega Forum, right? Or I'm wrong? J/K...

It's a bit more than an opinion, Tru - the way it's phrased, it's an accusation and that's what's upset some of the guys. Anyway, you've apologised and I hope everyone can now leave it be.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

It's a bit more than an opinion, Tru - the way it's phrased, it's an accusation and that's what's upset some of the guys. Anyway, you've apologised and I hope everyone can now leave it be.

Ok, thanks man.

[Earl Camembert]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Ok, I'm sorry about that. But I think that just my opinion, no need somebody here said about dumbest thread or lack of knowledge whatsoever. Arrogance? Me? I don't think so! I'm just dumbest man. Why I'm in this Forum? Because I'm lack of knowledge, that's why I'm here. I need to learn more from you guys about watches specially about Rolex knowledge. Or I'm in the wrong Forum? This is not Omega Forum, right? Or I'm wrong? J/K...

Take comfort in the fact that Bond wears an Omega because Omega bought him off.

[SLRdude]

Here is what happened.





September 21, 1964: Deke Slayton, fellow Mercury astronaut and director of flight crew operations for NASA, drafts a memorandum to the Procurement and Contracts Division of NASA, stating the need for a standard flight crew wrist chronograph for all NASA astronauts:

A requirement exists for a highly durable and accurate chronograph to be used by Gemini and Apollo flight crews as an essential adjunct, or as a backup for spacecraft timing devices and for accomplishing time critical operations and experimental tests. In order to select a chronograph which best meets our overall requirements, it is necessary to accomplish a comparative evaluation of the better quality "off the shelf" chronographs under realistic operational conditions. The evaluation will take place during such flight crew training programs as the Gemini Mission Simulators, during spacecraft and other flight equipment testing in the altitude chambers, egress and recovery exercises, planetarium reviews, and during the first two manned Gemini flights. The evaluation will be of the basic "off the shelf" items; however, an analysis will also be made of any additional features and/or modifications that may be required.

It is highly desirable that we commence with this evaluation at an early date so that a standard flight crew chronograph can be obtained prior to the longer duration Gemini flights and the Apollo flights. The evaluation items should be available during the preflight training for the first two manned Gemini flight crews, which are now in progress. On this basis, quotations from various chronograph manufacturers meeting the specifications as listed in analogue 1, Statement of Specifications, should be reviewed by this organization by October 21, 1964. Immediately subsequent to this date, it is our intent to purchase locally at least one of each brand that meets, or very nearly meets, these specifications. Off the shelf chronographs which very nearly meet the specifications may be considered if they, in other regards, surpass the overall specifications. The manufacturer in this case may choose to reply to the request for quotations, however, NASA-MSC will make the determination as to whether or not the chronograph will be subsequently evaluated. It is estimated that a total of twelve chronographs are required for evaluation purposes.

/s/ Donald E. Slayton

The memorandum contains a "Suggested List of Manufacturers", which includes to the top watch makers of the day:

Elgin
Benrus
Hamilton
Mido
Lucien Piccard
OMEGA
Bulova
Rolex
Longines
Gruen

Slayton's memorandum also contains a "Statement of Specifications", consisting of the following:

STATEMENT OF SPECIFICATIONS

1. Accuracy - Must not gain or lose more than 5 seconds over a 24 hour period. Desirable to have an accuracy equal to or better than 2 seconds per 24 hours.

2. Pressure Integrity - The chronometer [sic] must be immune to large variances in pressure to include a range from 50 feet of water positive pressure to a negative pressure of 10 millimeters of mercury.

3. Readability - All disks, bands, and figures must be readable in various lighting conditions. The chronograph must be readable under both "red" and "white" lighting conditions to or beyond a 5 foot candle illumination intensity. Either a black face with white figures and numerals or black on white is satisfactory. The chronograph should not cause glare at the high illumination levels. A stainless steel case with a satin finish is preferred.

4. The chronograph must have stop-start elapsed dials with

a. Seconds to 1 minute
b. Minutes to 30 minutes
c. Hours to 12 hours or greater.

5. The chronograph must be shockproof, waterproof, and antimagnetic. In addition, the face cover must be shatterproof.

6. The chronograph may be powered electrically, manually or the self-winding type; however, it must be capable of being manually wound and re-set.

7. Reliability - the Manufacturer must guarantee the watch to operate properly under normal conditions for at least one year time period. Performance data and specifications should be supplied by the manufacturer. Manufacturer guarantee and/or warranty should also be included.

The same memorandum outlines the testing criteria for this official wrist chronograph. To be "flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions", a wrist chronograph must pass all of the following tests numerous times without failure of any kind:

1. High Temperature - 48 hours at a temperature of 160° F (71° C) followed by 30 minutes at 200° F (93° C). For the high temperature tests, atmospheric pressure shall be 5.5 psi (0.35 atm) and the relative humidity shall not exceed 15%.

2. Low Temperature - Four hours at a temperature of 0° F (-18° C).

3. Temperature Pressure Chamber - pressure maximum of 1.47 x 10exp-5 psi (10exp-6 atm) with temperature raised to 160° F (71° C). The temperature shall then be lowered to 0° F (-18° C) in 45 minutes and raised again to 160° F in 45 minutes. Fifteen more such cycles shall be completed.

4. Relative Humidity - A total time of 240 hours at temperatures varying between 68° F and 160° F (20° C and 71° C, respectively) in a relative humidity of at least 95%. The steam used shall have a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5.

5. Pure Oxygen Atmosphere - The test item shall be placed in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 5.5 psi (0.35atm) for 48 hours. Performance outside of specification tolerance, visible burning, creation of toxic gases, obnoxious odors, or deterioration of seals or lubricants shall constitute a failure. The ambient temperature shall be maintained at 160° F (71° C).

6. Shock - Six shocks of 40g's each, in six different directions, with each shock lasting 11 milliseconds.

7. Acceleration - The test item shall be accelerated linearly from 1g to 7.25g within 333 seconds, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal spacecraft axis.

8. Decompression - 90 minutes in a vacuum of 1.47 x 10E-5 psi (10 E-6 atm) at a temperature of 160° F (71° C), and 30 minutes at a 200° F (93° C).

9. High Pressure - The test item shall be subjected to a pressure of 23.5 psi (1.6 atm) for a minimum period of one hour.

10. Vibration - Three cycles of 30 minutes (lateral, horizontal, vertical, the frequency varying from 5 to 2000 cps and back to 5 cps in 15 minutes. Average acceleration per impulse must be at least 8.8g.

11. Acoustic Noise - 130dB over a frequency range from 40 to 10000 HZ, duration 30 minutes.

NASA performs the tests several times on the various wrist chronographs it previously obtained. Only the OMEGA Speedmaster passes NASA's rigorous testing. All of the other watches fail NASA's tests.

March 1, 1965 - NASA, in a memorandum drafted on this date, outlines the results of its tests on the various wrist chronographs:

Environmental tests and test results for the chronographs are outlined in the attachment to this memorandum. The following major discrepancies were found during environmental testing:

a) Rolex - It stopped running on two occasions during the Relative Humidity Test and subsequently failed during High Temperature Test No. 1 when the sweep second hand warped and was binding against the other hands on the dial. No further tests were run with the Rolex chronographs.

b) Longines Wittnauer - The crystal warped and disengaged during the High Temperature Test. The same discrepancy occurred on a second Longines Wittnauer during Decompression Test No. 8. No further tests were run with Longines Wittnauer chronographs.

c) Omega - It gained 21 minutes during the Decompression Test and lost 15 minutes during the Acceleration Test. The luminescence on the dial was destroyed during testing. At the conclusion of all testing the Omega chronograph operated satisfactorily.

The results of operational evaluations by the astronauts show a unanimous preference for the Omega chronograph over the other two brands because of better accuracy, reliability, readability and ease of operation.

[ROLEX MAN]

Because I won't fly to the moon!

I'd rather have my s/s daytona it has more to do with motor racing than moon travel

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

Because I won't fly to the moon!

I'd rather have my s/s daytona it has more to do with motor racing than moon travel

No comment, I'm just the dumbest man...lol!!!