Sigma 7 Yesterday, it was exactly 54 years ago that astronaut Walter ‘Wally’ Schirra orbited Earth 6 times in the Sigma 7 spacecraft. The name of the NASA mission was Mercury-Atlas 8, and Schirra picked ‘Sigma 7’ as the name for the spacecraft. Using the mathematical symbol for summation as appropriate for an “engineering evaluation”, and […]

The post First Speedmaster In Space – It Was 54 Years Ago appeared first on Fratello Watches.

 

Notice in three pictures from this article, the bracelet of choice of even the earliest Speedie wearing astronauts was the Fostner Komfit/JB Champion. These are still available on the used market today.

 

This post just warms my heart.

 

Let's all agree that Wally wore a 2998-4. M'kay?

 

Mr. Ragan said that he had a lot of info that would be surfacing soon about this particular watch, but he would let slip any details.

I guess we shall see...

In the NASA Phone Gems thread, there's pics of Mr. Schirra's straight lug speedy with an 861 inside it!

 

Very cool pics...thanks for posting them.

I see that Wally is double dogging it regarding the first pic...nice.

 

I always wondered how the guys fastened a Fostner Komfit/JB Champion mesh with a space suit on.

Having a NASA team member to attach the bits and pieces makes sense.

 

This was exactly why Gemini and Apollo missions had 2 and 3 member crews. Until you figured out how to put on the JB bracelet by yourself you needed 4-6 hands to get one on.

For the record it's still no easier with the long ass Velcro straps.

 

That last picture that clearly shows the 2998 is so awesome!

 

Before anyone tries searching for a Foster bracelet, I have a strong suspicion it should be spelled Forstner!

 

Isn't that Gordon Cooper in the second photograph?

 

He also had a 2998 but a different sub-reference?

 

Sigma Seven My 2998-5

 

-62

 

2998-4, as worn by Mr. Schirra.

 

Worn by Mr. Schirra in Toronto?

 

Did you call "DIBS"

 

"Like the one" ...

 

Yes it is, US Air Force test pilot & Mercury astronaut Leroy Gordon "Gordo" Cooper preparing for "Faith 7" in May 1963...
For more Omega Speedmaster spaceflight history, background and photos --> http://moonwatchuniverse.tumblr.com/archive