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  1. Gaz6263 Apr 2, 2014

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    image.jpg Just received this from the states. It looks very retro and super cool IMHO.
     
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  2. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Apr 2, 2014

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    It certainly does look different :)
     
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  3. LouS Mrs Nataf's Other Son Staff Member Apr 2, 2014

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    Not what I was expecting when I opened the thread.

    I know that there is a semi-official Champion bracelet for Speedmasters - I'm not sure of the tradition behind it. What is the designation/model name/identification for that model of Champion?
     
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  4. Barking mad Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Apr 2, 2014

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    I believe that this is the "semi-official" one that you mention. It started with NASA and the astronauts using it because it would fit over the space suits.

    image.jpg

    image.jpg
     
  5. TLIGuy Apr 2, 2014

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    I like Barking mad's "semi-official" version too. I have wanted to try it for sometime but I think it may not tighten up enough for my thin wrist.

    This is the "official" version of the JB Champion mesh bracelet and my favorite on the Speedmaster. I think buying these back in the 60's would have been the best retirement plan investment. I'm amazed how a $6.95 price in the 60's commands crazy dollars today.

    I like the OP's too and want to see a wrist shot.

    Apollo trio...

    image.jpg

    Tom Stafford's....

    image.jpg


    John Young's

    image.jpg

    And mine....

    image.jpg
     
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  6. Barking mad Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Apr 2, 2014

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    Hi TLIGuy,

    My wrist is not huge and fits ok.

    image.jpg
     
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  7. TLIGuy Apr 2, 2014

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    .

    I really like the look of the JB you have a see it for sale at a reasonable price. On the mesh one I was able to open up the end links and remove about an nice of mesh. It's just held inside the end piece by some teeth and the closing of the end. Do you think the mesh on yours could be shortened in needed? Mine fit okay originally but the clasp hit right up on the end link and left no room for my calendars.

    BTW I love seeing your collection. Fantastic pieces.
     
  8. Barking mad Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Apr 2, 2014

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    I don't have the watch with me at the moment because it is in getting serviced. When I get it back I will measure the minimum length and let you know:thumbsup:
     
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  9. quito No, my first name is NOT Mos. Apr 2, 2014

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    image.jpg the mesh fits perfectly and is extremely comfortable.
     
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  10. pitpro Likes the game. Apr 2, 2014

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    The astronauts were seen in both the JB Champion straight end link
    and the Horned (curved) endlink basketweave mesh bracelets. But they all
    had them. The Horned looks and fits much better on the Speedmaster.
    Here's mine

    67 set.JPG
     
  11. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Apr 3, 2014

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    I do like the mesh look. Will have to keep a lookout for one. :)
     
  12. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 8, 2017

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  13. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 9, 2017

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    May 1962, Mercury capsule water egress training...
    LtCmdr Walter "Wally" Schirra wore a Komfit Forstner bracelet version ( it only became JB Champion in 1963 ) on his CK2998-5 Speedy
    .
    water_Schirra_CK2998-5.jpg
     
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  14. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 9, 2017

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    March 1963, training session for Faith 7
    Captain Leroy "Gordo" Cooper fitted a Komfit Forstner bracelet version ( it only became JB Champion in 1963 ) on his CK2998-5 Speedy
    .
    1963_Cooper.jpg
     
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  15. cagkut Sep 9, 2017

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    Interesting that you put that band inside out and it looks good.
    https://omegaforums.net/attachments/image-jpg.48796/
     
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  16. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 12, 2017

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    March 1965... Gemini III post flight press briefing... Captain Virgil "Gus" Grissom was clearly wearing a JB champion bracelet
    .
    Grissom_JBchampion.jpg
     
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  17. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 12, 2017

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    May 1965... Gemini IV pilot Edward White during the pre-flight press briefing for the 2nd Gemini mission and its planned spacewalk... Speedy on a steel mesh JB Champion bracelet
    .
    EdWhite_JBchampion.jpg
     
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  18. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 17, 2017

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    July 1965, Gemini 5 Leroy "Gordo" Cooper in probably still wearing his Speedmaster CK2998-5 on a Komfit Forstner bracelet :thumbsdown:
    .
    Cooper_JBchampion.jpg
     
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  19. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Sep 24, 2019

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    Komfit Forstner steel mesh bracelet worn by Mercury astronaut Walter Schirra on his Omega Speedmaster and Accutron Astronaut tuning fork wristwatch (photo: NASA)
    .
    NASA_moonwatchuniverse1.jpg
    March 6, 1963
    , Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper photographed during preparation for simulated flight testing in hangar S at Cape Canaveral. Cooper had chosen to wear two wristwatches, here his personal Omega Speedmaster CK2998-4 can be seen on a Komfit Forstner steel mesh bracelet. (photo: NASA)
    .
    NASA_MoonwatchUniverse_Komfit.jpg
     
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  20. VetPsychWars Wants to be in the club! Sep 24, 2019

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    You all assume all of those are Champions. I'll bet you a donut some were Forstner Komfit.

    Look them up.

    Tom