Speedmaster NASA tests....

[Rolexis]

I own a 1961 Pre Pro Speedmaster with the 321 I still don't know why Kennedy chose this watch over the Daytona. I think it was bc it made Jackie mad that his girlfriend gave him a Rolex so she didn't want to be reminded of it so He picked Omega. I would have chosen a Newman Daytona if I was the Pres at that time

[DrSandals]

I learned a lot today and I have worked for NASA for over 25 years!

[c.rod]

i would imagine with todays technology advances that a lot of "premium" watches from different makers would pass the tests the same way if they were bought from AD's and werent special space watches designed to pass the tests.

[Ector495]

I was recently looking at buying a PO at my local AD. I saw the speed master and started looking at it more closely. I love the classic design and how it has not changed a bit. It's really neat thinking about having a watch with so much history. It's definitely something I want to consider for my next watch.

[AGDExchange]

Great artical I Have the 30th anniversary Apollo XI I am interested in knowing what its worth. I am thinking of selling it. Watch is in perfect condition just had it refinished and serviced not a scratch on it. I even have the box and papers.

[Conan435]

If people are still interested, here's some good info about the actual testing process. A friend wrote this for our site. I didn't realize what these watches were put through.

http://www.woundforlife.com/2014/04/...sting-process/

[pilot_bro]

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[pilot_bro]

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[Iulian.Butum]

Does anyone know how is possible for a plexiglass used on Speedy ,to resist at 70 and even 90 degrees Celsius,during NASA tests?My logic says that at this temperature the plexi must become soft !I work with PVC pipes,on heating system for pools ,and at 70-80 degrees PVC it start to get soft and in the end is changing their form and shape!I

[bangsar1]

Originally Posted by Tools

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

[Watchlover1]

Originally Posted by -Subsevens

Thanks Larry!! Maybe Rolex should get another shot?!?

Hi All
I heard fascinating podcast with Jake Ehrlich and T Walker Lloyd. He said Omega just paid to be THE NASA watch. I love Rolex but think that's BS. He admitted to giving away more watches than Carter has liver pills to those he felt pushed the proper Rolex image. I'm sure Omega did that too but Omega clearly was independently tested. If I remember correctly Rolex hands melted in heat test.

All the best

[Watchlover1]

Originally Posted by ciclisto

want speedmaster very soon dieciding manual vs auto

Go Manuel. It's a grt way to "bond" with your watch every day. I must say I really felt a "zen" moment of peace and serenity when winding my speedy. It was like we needed and relied on each other. It's also 100% authentic and with all of the homage pieces out their today this is like a real time capsule on your wrist.
But that being said either way you go is a win-win!! If/when you pull the trigger pls share a pic.

Good luck on your decision.

[Watchlover1]

Originally Posted by bangsar1

Hi All

Thanks for sharing this great piece of historical fact. I love Omega and Rolex and many other brands. I say this because I recently heard a podcast made a few years ago by Jake Erlich where he interviewed T Walker Loyd. Mr. Loyd was a professional diver who became a Rolex executive (director). Basically his job was product placement. He got a Rolex on to everyone from Bill Cosby (pre roofy days) to Clint Eastwood, Tom Selek, and 100's of more. Anyway, he made a comment that really ticked me off and it was a cheap shot that, imho, only made him look like a schmuck. Jake was pressing him on why Rolex wasn't the "NASA" watch. Jake referenced many pics of astronauts wearing GMT's and wanted to know how that could be. Well as was previously mentioned here, the astronauts where given Speedys as official gear but they brought up other timepieces on their own accord. Everything from a Bulova to a Rolex was taken up there! So when T Walker was pressed for a response he refused to acknowledge that Rolex failed the heat portion of the test where the hands melted and just spurted out "they paid for it"! Meaning Omega bought their way on to the moon and didn't earn it. Complete historical revisionism if you ask me!!! However NASA obtained all the timepieces they tested is for a different post but suffice it to say that in this instance Omega simply made a better product. (Pause as all the Rolex fanatics are recessitated) It's nothing against a Daytona. But coming from a man who's job was to give Rolex's away to the right kinds of people who could promote their advertising image, it seems a bit disengenuous of him to respond the way he did.

[Cimballi]

Originally Posted by -Subsevens

Thanks Larry!! Maybe Rolex should get another shot?!?

It would be fascinating to see the major brands compete again for the NASA market.

[Mariner]

Read the history of the tests for the first time. Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing.

[J-E]

http://www.watchprosite.com/?page=wf...pzt=1456703651

A very nice read!

[J-E]

I see it has been posted in a different topic already. My excuse

[dc0402]

Thanks for the link. Great read!

[MWU]

1957-2017 = 60 years Omega Speedmaster
1962-2017 = 55 years Omega Speedmaster in space
Special photo blog for the occasion:
http://moonwatchuniverse.tumblr.com/archive

[NickyBoy7]

Amazing read!

[James444]

Originally Posted by Rolexis

I own a 1961 Pre Pro Speedmaster with the 321 I still don't know why Kennedy chose this watch over the Daytona. I think it was bc it made Jackie mad that his girlfriend gave him a Rolex so she didn't want to be reminded of it so He picked Omega. I would have chosen a Newman Daytona if I was the Pres at that time

Rolex didn't send the Daytona to NASA it was another watch

[dilloncarter]

I'm really starting to enjoy the history side of watches now that I've actually gotten into them. Thanks for the share man.

[machob55]

I'm so glad I added this watch to my collection

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

[Justinmg]

Very cool read! I love my speedy

[Marco76]

Thanks for sharing!

[BigBoy17]

Great info. Thank you

[Straggy]

Cool

[sales1]

Thank for sharing, nice info by the way.

[orm_griff]

Great read! Thanks for posting

[justthebezel]

Ditto.