I was just emailed the link to share for the new EVA exhibit opening tomorrow at the NASM. The NASM really did the Speedmaster right. While I encourage you to look at the complete exhibit online, if you scroll down in the FLOATING tab you will see lots of great Speedmaster information. I really think the NASM and Omega museum did this display very well. http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/outside-the-spacecraft/online/floating.cfm
It looks like the Curators of the NASM Exhibition have excelled themselves. Very impressed...Perhaps 'The British Museum' might consider taking elements of the Exhibition, on a loan basis ? I am certain, it would draw a superb attendance A terrific 'day out' !
"Wally Schirra and Gordon Cooper on the last two Mercury missions used their personal Omega Speedmasters." Hmmm. We knew about Schirra's personal CK2998 on his Mercury mission. And by Gemini they had Nasa S/N watches. But Cooper? Anyone know anything about his personal watch? Edit: Ah, it was a Seamaster, about which this site says it is not know if it was flown. http://farthestreaches.com/cooper.html Edit again: "Gordon Cooper's Speedmaster worn during Faith 7's flight in May 1963 is pictured with a letter of authenticity on page 101 of Time Capsule. No mention of Cooper's Gemini V flight, so I would assume that Cooper wore a different watch for that flight." http://chronomaddox.com/moonmovement.html#dispel_the_only_myth I had better stop posting as I research. Edit (that didn't last long): "Wally Schirra – but also Gordon Cooper on Mercury 9 – one of the first American astronauts, wore its own Omega Speedmaster CK2998 on a Mercury flight, October 3rd, 1962." http://monochrome-watches.com/omega-speedmaster-history-part-1-early-pre-moons/
Great link! From the website: OMEGA watchmakers wears a SKYWALKER X-33 !! http://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/outside-the-spacecraft/online/image-detail.cfm?id=9812
Some spaceflight history & Omega on MoonWatchUniverse Tumblr photoblog http://moonwatchuniverse.tumblr.com/archive