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SpeedyPhill
·In the SWFG - Space Watches Facebook Group someone asked a simple question:
How are space wrist watches worn ?
At first sight a simple question which can be answered in an interesting way.
Well normally wrist watches are strapped over the forearm of a spacesuit by using a long velcro strap.
During the X-15 hypersonic test program, Bulova Accutron came up with a bespoke 44 cm long webbing strap, which made headline news in 1962 as world's longest wrist watch strap.
On Mercury flights, astronauts wore stretchaable bracelets or steel mesh bracelets. During Gemini and Apollo training white velcro straps were used, while during actual flight, black velcro straps were used.
Most spacefarers also wear watches underneath their spacesuit, and in the mid 1960s the JB Champion steel mesh bracelet was in favor as it could be easily broken if the astronaut got stuck with his watch.
Later on wristwatches ware worn with their original off-the-shelf bracelet as this fits well underneath the spacesuit gloves.
During weight & balance check-out and tests we have seen some interesting things, normal bracelet wristwatches attached to space suits with cords or even sticky tape !
A few remarkable examples during tests & training:
.
How are space wrist watches worn ?
At first sight a simple question which can be answered in an interesting way.
Well normally wrist watches are strapped over the forearm of a spacesuit by using a long velcro strap.
During the X-15 hypersonic test program, Bulova Accutron came up with a bespoke 44 cm long webbing strap, which made headline news in 1962 as world's longest wrist watch strap.
On Mercury flights, astronauts wore stretchaable bracelets or steel mesh bracelets. During Gemini and Apollo training white velcro straps were used, while during actual flight, black velcro straps were used.
Most spacefarers also wear watches underneath their spacesuit, and in the mid 1960s the JB Champion steel mesh bracelet was in favor as it could be easily broken if the astronaut got stuck with his watch.
Later on wristwatches ware worn with their original off-the-shelf bracelet as this fits well underneath the spacesuit gloves.
During weight & balance check-out and tests we have seen some interesting things, normal bracelet wristwatches attached to space suits with cords or even sticky tape !
A few remarkable examples during tests & training:
.
