First Speedmaster In Space - It Was 54 Years Ago

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Robert-Jan

·Oct 4, 2016·#SpeedyTuesday

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.

 

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gemini4

·Oct 4, 2016·Hoarder Of Speed et alia

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.

 

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TLIGuy

·Oct 4, 2016

This post just warms my heart.

 

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oddboy

·Oct 4, 2016

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

 

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cicindela

·Oct 4, 2016·Steve @ ΩF

oddboy

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

Wally told me it was a -6 😁

 

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oddboy

·Oct 4, 2016

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! 😲

 

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Mad Dog

·Oct 4, 2016

gemini4

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.

Very cool pics...thanks for posting them. 👍

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

 

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JACK G

·Oct 4, 2016

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.

 

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TLIGuy

·Oct 4, 2016

JACK G

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

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.

Edited: Oct 4, 2016

 

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bazamu

·Oct 4, 2016

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

 

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Canuck

·Oct 4, 2016

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

 

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TJH

·Oct 4, 2016

JACK G

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.

Isn't that Gordon Cooper in the second photograph?

 

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TJH

·Oct 4, 2016

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

 

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kingsrider

·Oct 4, 2016

Sigma Seven My 2998-5

 

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incabloc

·Oct 4, 2016

-62

 

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oddboy

·Oct 4, 2016

2998-4, as worn by Mr. Schirra.

 

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gemini4

·Oct 4, 2016·Hoarder Of Speed et alia

Worn by Mr. Schirra in Toronto?

 

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MikiJ

·Oct 4, 2016

oddboy

2998-4, as worn by Mr. Schirra.

Did you call "DIBS" 😁

 

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oddboy

·Oct 4, 2016

gemini4

Worn by Mr. Schirra in Toronto?

"Like the one" ... 😉

 

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SpeedyPhill

·Nov 2, 2016

TJH

Isn't that Gordon Cooper in the second photograph?

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