I have seen a list of Speedmasters assigned to US Astronauts. But there was a "one man-one watch" relationship.

I also vaguely recall asking this question before... but have forgotten the answer...

But how come we sometimes see one Speedy on each wrist, such as this pic from a happy return?
What is the other Speedy then? and where are those watches today?

 

So one was NASA issued, and as such was government property, which had to be returned to NASA. But astronauts were allowed to buy watches on the cheap from Omega, which was their own, to do with what they wanted.

 

one served as backup in the event the primary failed..... kidding, just kidding! we all know Speedmasters never failed in outer space...

 

There were also NON Omega backups too.

http://chronomaddox.com/moonmovement.html#dispel_the_only_myth

 

Even autos:
http://www.relojesparatodos.com/vb/threads/1-Entrevista-con-el-Tiempo-William-R.-Pogue

 

In the early 60's Carpenter wore a Breitling on orbital missions. I see Chuck's article mentions the Rolex GMT too.

 

Don't forget the hummers! Gordon Cooper wore an Accutron on the final Mercury mission.

 

Weren't the timers in the module Accutrons? Armstrong left his Speedmaster because one failed, right?

 

Yes, have heard that story, is it in a book? Did he write memoirs?

But WHY exactly did he leave the watch?... only one on board was Buzz... and he had a perfectly fine watch thank you?

Other watches were flown, only speedies authorized for EVAs though...

And frankly, even a GMT-master must be ok within a capsule... about as demanding an environment as the ferris wheel on long beach...