Modern Speedmasters and NASA

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Squan

·May 16, 2021

Hello all,

I purchased the new 3861 in hesalite and love everything about the watch (even the sharp edges 😉). I am wondering if this new watch will ever get its time on the moon.

I know the astronauts that recently went to the ISS on the SpaceX rocket were wearing the X-33 speedmaster. If NASA does go back to the moon by 2024 like they are planning, do you think they will wear an X-33 or a 3861? Let me know what you guys think!

 

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dstfno

·May 16, 2021

It’s highly unlikely that a mechanical watch will get certified by nasa ever again. Maybe someone will take the 3861 as his private watch (if regulations would even allow that) but otherwise they will rely on newer and more reliable tech.

 

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Caliber561

·May 16, 2021

dstfno

It’s highly unlikely that a mechanical watch will get certified by nasa ever again. Maybe someone will take the 3861 as his private watch (if regulations would even allow that) but otherwise they will rely on newer and more reliable tech.

Actually, astronauts still use the mechanical Speedmaster during EVAs because radiation and temperature can mess with the components of digital watches. It's not unfathomable that mechanical watches will continue to be used as backups in future spaceflight.

 

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dstfno

·May 16, 2021

Caliber561

Actually, astronauts still use the mechanical Speedmaster during EVAs because radiation and temperature can mess with the components of digital watches. It's not unfathomable that mechanical watches will continue to be used as backups in future spaceflight.

Thanks for the info, I didn’t know that and thought it was fully replaced by the X-33 (and other watches)

Edited: May 17, 2021

 

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kcgunner

·May 16, 2021

Yeah I think the 1861 and older moonwatches were the only watches certified for EVA's on space missions.

 

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dcl_88

·May 16, 2021

So does this mean the 1861 is possibly the last ever space certified by NASA speedmaster pro?

 

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Squan

·May 16, 2021

I remember hearing that Omega tested the 3861 to the same standards that NASA tests their watches, and it passed with flying colors. I guess the question is will NASA pick a mechanical watch over a digital for the moon, and that will determine 3861 vs. X-33

 

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Foo2rama

·May 16, 2021·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

NASA does not currently wear watches on the outside of spacesuits. Roscom currently uses speedmasters presumably 1861’s on space walks. They are also worn for all launches and landings externally on the Soyuz system escape suits.