Can anyone tell me if modern speedmaster pro watches with the calibre 1861 movement are going into space / orbit or are speedys with other movements picked instead?

Many thanks in advance for any information you guys can give it’s very much appreciated.

 

861’s went around the moon and up with the shuttle.

1861’s are worn by all Russians and most Americans on launch and reentry outside the escape suit. Russians still wear a speedmaster 1861 externally on EVA as shown by clear footage of the last EVA to explore the drill hole a few months back.

The 861 was certified in the late 70’s for the shuttle program and there is virtually no difference mechanically with the 861. It was a coating change from copper to rhodium.

Some sources state the 1861 has an extra jewel in it but 18 jewel 861’s exist marked both 17 and 18 jewels. The added jewel does not affect the mechanism of the watch.

 

@Hunter87 -- check out these two threads on the Forum. You'll see tons of photos of both historic and contemporary use of the classic Speedmaster in space:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/hidden-gems-from-the-russian-space-photo-archives.65152/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/hidden-gems-from-the-nasa-photo-archive.27812/

 

Thank you

 

Anytime. FYI the jewel change was about 1988 and continued to be marked 17 jewels until about 1991.

I own a Sinn with the same caliber lemania branded with the 18th jewel marked 17 jewels. Speedies from that period show the same extra jewel without the marking.

Also note the 861 did not land on the moon but it is verified that one was part of a test in the command module, and orbited the moon.