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Old 30 August 2008, 07:36 AM   #1
Tools
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Speedmaster NASA tests....

The Omega Speedmaster has a rich history..

Of particular note is it's selection to be the NASA Extra Vehicular activity (EVA) issue watch..

Read an overview about the tests here:


More NASA Test Info

And this one, which talks about the Omega, Lemania 321; the Rolex, Valjoux72; and the Longines, a. 13ZN finalists.
Speedy, Moonwatch

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Old 30 August 2008, 06:40 PM   #2
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very interesting historical info . Thanks buddy!
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Old 30 August 2008, 11:58 PM   #3
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Amazing and excellent read!! Do I dare ask how Rolex faired during the tests, and what model they actually tested?
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Old 31 August 2008, 01:30 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -Subsevens View Post
Amazing and excellent read!! Do I dare ask how Rolex faired during the tests, and what model they actually tested?
The only time a Rolex was tested was in the 1962 test. A Rolex Cosmograph was used. Manual wind, Acrylic crystal, Valjoux 72 movement (now ETA).

The Rolex stopped once during the high humidity test (and restarted), and during the high temperature test the hands warped and bound together..

No Rolex Zenith 4030, or in-house 4130 Daytona has ever been tested by NASA.
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Old 31 August 2008, 01:59 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
The only time a Rolex was tested was in the 1962 test. A Rolex Cosmograph was used. Manual wind, Acrylic crystal, Valjoux 72 movement (now ETA).

The Rolex stopped once during the high humidity test (and restarted), and during the high temperature test the hands warped and bound together..

No Rolex Zeinth 4030, or in-house 4130 Daytona has ever been tested by NASA.
Thanks Larry!! Maybe Rolex should get another shot?!?
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Old 20 September 2008, 11:48 AM   #6
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Wow..very interesting! I always knew that they were something special, only because the Mercury Project used them...BUT NOT THAT SPECIAL!! Wow, thanks for the info! I can definately use this information to help sell the 2 that I have. One is the 45jewel 1140 and the other one is the one like you see here in the test.. Thanks once again, 58driver
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Old 29 September 2008, 10:52 PM   #7
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Very cool read i have my little piece of history in the mail right now....
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Old 5 November 2008, 10:08 AM   #8
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I have added a couple of more links to the Speedmaster NASA testing to the Original Post.. Also some other great information at the Sites..
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Old 6 November 2008, 07:38 AM   #9
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Here is my copy of the NAWCC Bulletin from February 1993:


Fr. John+
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Old 19 June 2009, 12:25 AM   #10
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Great link Fr. John..
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Old 8 September 2009, 09:51 AM   #11
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I have a Speedmaster 50th Anniversary (sapphire crystal) and love it, but my next watch will be a 16600 Sea-Dweller.
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Old 13 September 2009, 10:29 AM   #12
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Thats not to say there have been no Rolex on missions. I have heard there have been a few on missions unofficially.
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Old 13 September 2009, 01:44 PM   #13
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Thats not to say there have been no Rolex on missions. I have heard there have been a few on missions unofficially.
Yes, astronauts may wear any watch they want to wear but the Speedmaster Professional is the only watch "flight qualified" by NASA for EVAs. All Apollo moon walkers wore them and the Speedmaster Professional remains "regular issue" for all astronauts.

Fr. John†
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Old 16 December 2009, 06:51 AM   #14
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wamly welcome

Sure all pro gamer are most welcome... if you can reach out to them it would be great!! Thanks a lot

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Old 17 January 2010, 09:52 AM   #15
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wonderfull very interesting
like it
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Old 17 January 2010, 09:52 AM   #16
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aos i think i may like one of these
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Old 17 January 2010, 09:53 AM   #17
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want speedmaster very soon dieciding manual vs auto
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Old 25 March 2010, 06:18 AM   #18
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Great links, thanks for sharing.
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Old 15 April 2010, 05:44 AM   #19
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Good read. Thanks.
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Old 19 May 2010, 11:24 PM   #20
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Thanks for the great info!
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Old 9 July 2010, 06:02 AM   #21
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nice...
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Old 12 February 2011, 09:00 AM   #22
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Dave Scott - Apollo 15 and Charlie Duke - Apollo 16 both had the crystals pop off their Speedies at some point during EVA.

Tech debrief excerpt:

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Old 18 February 2011, 07:21 AM   #23
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Hello,
Pretty new to the forums -
I am a proud owner of a moonwatch - I was a NASA and project Apollo nut before I became a WIS.

From what I remember reading, inside the command or lunar module, most of the astronauts sported their Rolex (definitely know Buzz Aldrin did). I am not an expert on Rolex but I would assume the models at those times came with an acrylic crystal as well? I believe that was a requirement due to the concern of Astronauts inhaling shards of sapphire glass if it shattered in zero G.

BTW thanks for the info!
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Old 6 March 2011, 08:05 PM   #24
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Thanks for the info Larry and Fr. John. I am seriously considering purchasing an Omega SP soon and this post was a very good read.

Thank you.
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Old 31 March 2011, 06:28 AM   #25
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Hey Guys, We all know how good of an investement the the Vintage SM is. But i would like to ask - What year or any specific component i should look for before buying? How about a 1985?or the early 70's?
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Old 9 April 2011, 04:42 PM   #26
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Nothing compares with open space ad $-)
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Old 28 April 2011, 10:57 AM   #27
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Great link!
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Old 28 April 2011, 11:13 AM   #28
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good stuff... thanx!!!
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Old 29 April 2011, 06:12 AM   #29
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I wonder how other watch brands made out in their tests and weather a major decision maker on what watch to use was which brand offered the largest advertizing dollars????
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Old 3 May 2011, 06:05 PM   #30
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Omega makes great watches. Nice info !! Thanks
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