So, I see the occasional JB Champion band/bracelet come up here or on eBay, and I was wondering its historical provenance with NASA programs. I know the various velcro bands that were in use (and have a few of the excellent reproductions by Kizzi!), but what info is there on the Champion?

For that matter, is there any evidence of the 1171, or other early stainless bracelets being used by NASA personnel on land or astronauts in space?

-Max

 

This might be of interest also.
http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/t11069-bracelet-jb-champion-de-la-nasa-pour-les-speedmaster

 

Well there it is!

Unfortunately on that link a lot of the photos are down. I did however enjoy brushing up on my French.

Merci,

-Max

 

Also good>
http://themasterofspeed.tumblr.com/post/45626424744/jb-champion-nasa-bracelet
Cheers Mick

 

I recall reading that NASA (possibly Deke Slayton) was not impressed by the Speedmaster bracelet of the day, and that the JB was chosen because it could be cut or pulled from the watch easier incase it became caught on something. I may be incorrect, but it seems like a plausible reason.

When I received these bags from one of the Apollo astronauts there were 4 in total. Two that held his watch after its return to NASA, and two others that contained his new sealed Speedmaster head and another that held the JB Bracelet. I'm reluctant to share pictures of the others because they have the name of the astronaut (my source for Speedmaster gouge) typed on the front with information regarding the watch number issued and the NASA SEB number along with the date of issue.

If nothing else, the JB just looks down right bad a$$ on the vintage Speedmasters. Lastly, I do not know of any evidence of the 1171 being used on any manned missions.



My favorite group shot...

 

Interesting bezel on that Speedy!
Could that be one of the Alaska prototypes or is it just a dezimal bezel?

 

Nice spot! Never noticed that.
I think it's a Decimetre Tachymeter Bezel

 

I am not sure if this is enough historical proof for me..............

 

After reading this thread the question becomes
where did he get a "minute" bezel insert?

 

Somewhere i saw pictures with astronautes wearing the bezel of the Alaska Prototype on a normal Speedy, could i have seen them in the moonwatch book???

 

Maybe here-
See references to "lunetta NASA"

 

Maybe where ??

 

Forgot link-
http://themasterofspeed.tumblr.com/post/43568378475/alaksa-project
See references to "lunetta NASA"

 

Man...., what would i give to get such an extract of records