Why isn't the GMT also known as "The Moon watch"

[Watchgeek5000]

In 1971 the entire NASA team wore Pepsi GMT's on their mission to the moon.
This seems to be an important moment in Rolex history, doesn't seem to get mentioned much.

http://www.rolexmagazine.com/2008/06...story.html?m=1

[Leejjay]

Possibly because the name The Moon Watch is used by Omega as they were there 1st. 1969 if I’m correct?


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[FTX I]

Humm let me guess

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Leejjay

Possibly because the name The Moon Watch is used by Omega as they were there 1st. 1969 if I’m correct?


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Yes, understood. But the fact that three astronauts wore a Rolex GMT on a moon mission is pretty cool and worth recognition. Not that Rolex really needs more recognition, but as an owner of these watches it adds to its history.

[omx5o]

No prizes for coming second.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by omx5o

No prizes for coming second.

Can't always be first! But cool information anyway, personally I didn't know about this story.

[traf]

They could pull an omega and engrave the caseback “second watch worn on the moon”


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[joli160]

Originally Posted by omx5o

No prizes for coming second.

Especially after failing NASA's test

[rolex75216]

<-- because of this.

[Watchgeek5000]

Tough crowd!

[rolex75216]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

Tough crowd!

Just having fun of coarse! I actually did not know about the travel to the moon and what they wore on their remarkable journey. Definitely cool! Not sure why "The Moon Watch" did not catch on?

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by rolex75216

Just having fun of coarse! I actually did not know about the travel to the moon and what they wore on their remarkable journey. Definitely cool! Not sure why "The Moon Watch" did not catch on?

Cool story, again it's pretty interesting.

[tyler1980]

the real question is why? What 2nd time zone were they keeping track of? I get the need for a chronograph, but a GMT not so much. The explanation in the article didn't make much sense.

Using the wrong tool watch for the job just means they wore it because it looked cool. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is what it is IMO.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

the real question is why? What 2nd time zone were they keeping track of? I get the need for a chronograph, but a GMT not so much.

Using the wrong tool watch for the job just means they wore it because it looked cool. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is what it is IMO.

I do believe NASA uses military time, so it would be a correct watch to wear.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

I do believe NASA uses military time, so it would be a correct watch to wear.

i suppose. However, if it was necessary or potentially mission critical, i would assume NASA would have made that a requirement when selecting the official watch in the first place.

I own a GMT and not a speedmaster so i prefer the Rolex. I just don't think in this case the affiliation to the space program as part of the watch's heritage is warranted or earned.

[sensui]

Man...bad look for Rolex guys....it's pretty obvious why it's not from NASA certification...either way the Speedmaster stands on its own anyway as a timeless design even without the space heritage...just icing on the cake. The GMT is amazing for many other accomplishments/complication.

[GradyPhilpott]

Check out these sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_...r#Use_in_space

https://www.watchtime.com/featured/r...ter-moonwatch/

http://www.timeandwatches.com/p/hist...eedmaster.html

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Check out these sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_...r#Use_in_space

https://www.watchtime.com/featured/r...ter-moonwatch/

http://www.timeandwatches.com/p/hist...eedmaster.html

Undoubtedly the speedmaster professional is the original moon watch, no arguing that. But did think the apolo mission in 71 was an interesting story and added to the coolness of a vintage GMT.

[AK797]

If it's twelve o'clock on Earth, what time is it on the Moon? It's... time for a Pepsi!

I could have done the adverts.

[HogwldFLTR]

Only one watch passed the selection process to become the approved watch for space travel; it wasn't the Rolex.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by AK797

If it's twelve o'clock on Earth, what time is it on the Moon? It's... time for a Pepsi!

I could have done the adverts.

LMAO, it's funny you say that. My uncle through marriage was the head of the advertising company in charge of Pepsi......he could have made your idea a reality!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

LMAO, it's funny you say that. My uncle through marriage was the head of the advertising company in charge of Pepsi......he could have made your idea a reality!

If only I had been born.

[Tony64]

Both watches are iconic in their respective categories.

Both have a legitimate claim to space travel, but Omega chose to capitalize on that association and no doubt that continues to support sales of their Speedmaster today.

Ask yourself honestly, without the NASA connection would the Speedmaster "moonwatch" retain such popularity? I say not. It's engraved on the caseback for gosh sakes!

Conversely, without the PanAm association the GMT would be no less desired IMO.

As for which got to the moon first, I don't know but most seem to say Omega. And you know what they say, second place is just the first loser...

[MCO1]

I love GMT's and I love Speedmaster's and have one of each! That said...you are right it should be mentioned more. Omega Speedmasters won the competition so to speak and Omega has cashed in on it for nearly 50 years but most of the Speedmasters were an issue item like space suits that had to be turned in and the Astronauts viewed them that way. The GMT's were many of the Astronauts personally chosen watches and to me that says a great deal. Jim Lovell still wears his old GMT on a jubilee!

[artschool]

how would you wear a gmt on the outside of a space suit?

[mschafer]

Maybe the next generation GMT could qualify for the upcoming shenanigans on Mars...

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by artschool

how would you wear a gmt on the outside of a space suit?

The attached artical touches on that subject.
The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph was fitted on a velcro NASA Spec Black Nylon Strap. The Rolex GMT was worn under the space suit. The Rolex also could have been fitted to a Velcro strap as well if needed.

[Thuilln]

I don’t know, but one thing stands above all the arguments we could possibly have here: these guys kicked ass.
Rolex? Omega? They were beyond that.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I don’t know, but one thing stands above all the arguments we could possibly have here: these guys kicked ass.
Rolex? Omega? They were beyond that.

[JohnLT]

It’s all omega has. Let them have it. LOL.