Starting this thread off, I'm particularly proud of this little gathering I've obtained over the last few years. It's not much, but it hits the right buttons in me on representing interesting timepieces that went to space.




- Sturmanskie Gargarin 3717128 - Celebrating the first watch to be worn in space.

- Omega FOIS 311.32.40.30.01.001 - Remembering the "granddaddy" of all Omega Moon Watches, Wally Schirra's CK2998.

- Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251: Modern reissue of the one of a kind chronograph that saw lunar surface time on Dave Scott's wrist on Apollo 15.


Don't be shy. Let's see what you have.


Alex

 

I do!

I’ve got a thing for the American flown pieces up to the end of the Apollo program, so Bulova, Omega, Glycine, Breitling is it for me... All I am missing is a Glycine Airman from the early 60s, then I am good.
I know a GMT Master flew as well, but since I am far from a Rolex fanboy and it is way too expensive for me to buy, I will leave this out.

I do also want to add a Flightmaster (flew with Leonov) eventually as I think it is a fantastic watch.

 

@henrikaa
Omega Flightmaster was only used in ASTP-training by Leonov & Kubasov but flew for sure on these missions:
1974 = Soyuz 14 by cosmonaut Yuri Artyukhin
1976 = Soyuz 21 by cosmonaut Vitali Zholobov
1992 = STS-46 space shuttle Atlantis by Italian astronaut Franco Malerba
...
Other vintage Omega watches to consider: Speedmaster 125 and the Speedmaster Mark III as both were flown by the Soviet-Russians

 

What's the bracelet you have on the Astronaut? I'm hunting for ideas.

 

That Bulova Astronaut=schwing!

 

I’ll check when I get home and let you know, can’t remember by heart.

 

That's a NICE collection there!!!

 

@connieseamaster
Here's a JB Champion on an Accutron Astronaut... exactly as worn by Leroy Cooper, his backup Shepard during training and later by Gus Grissom on Gemini III in March 1965
.

 

Thanks! I've been tossing around a couple of ideas and coarse mesh like this is one. Others are a coffin link (correct for the watch but costing the Earth), bullet link (standard issue with later models), or even a polished Oyster style.

 

@SpeedyPhill do you know specifically which M-refs of the Accutron have been flown? Looking at mission timing, everuthing from M3-5 would be ok, yes?

 

Thanks! It is also more or less the only coherent pattern in my watches.

 

@connieseamaster I have attached a picture of the inscription inside the clasp. I think it says Hadley USA. It it super comfortable to wear, but the clasp opens randomly when wearing it which is a bit annoying tbh. The wear comfort is excellent though.

 

The X-15 was presented in October 1958 but flights only started in June 1959 with high speed runs from 1960 onwards...
It looks like X-15 pilots got the M1 (1961) & M2 (1962) M-reference of the Accutron to be used during the hypersonic research program, as it shows up on X-15 photos taken 1961 onwards...
See some examples at my Spacefarers' wrist watches blog : https://wristwatchlover.tumblr.com/archive

 

In fact as I pointed out during several GTG, this topic couldn't be more contemporary as several space-watch collectors started to look for a correct & good working Tuning Fork Accutron Astronaut, inspired by the upcoming 60th anniversary of the start and the 50th anniversary of the completion of the X-15 program... You're looking for thin hands on a dial without the word "Bulova" ...
Same for the Russian counterpart of the Omega Speedmaster, the 1MWCo Strela "Arrow" chronograph, worn by the first 3 men Voskhod crew (October 1964) and cosmonaut Alexei Leonov during the first spacewalk in March 1965...
Here's a comparison of the 33 mm Strela against the 42 mm Speedmaster ;
.

 

The Bulova Accutron Astronaut tuning fork wrist watch with thin hands and dial without " Bulova " ... great design without visible crown
.

 

I am repeatedly amazed at the depth of knowledge OF member have and share. A huge thank you!
I shouldn’t be but was surprised that Speedmaster was the “only” timepiece used by NASA.
I’m better for it. Thanks OF!

 

How many times do I have to say it? You don't have a complete collection of space stuff until you have NASA Underoos.




Geesh! Of course, you then need your wife / fiancée / girlfriend to wear an appropriate 'space suit' too.

 

that reminds me of Erin Gray...

 

First thing I thought too. Better stick with the original, vintage version rather than the re-edition though.

 

That's what I was going to say!!! Lol