Vintage wrist watches - Omega Speedmaster - history and technology

My love of watches was sparked in the early seventies when, as a schoolboy, I had a few weeks work experience at a lawyer's offices.  One of the people I worked with wore an Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph.  I recall his showing it to me and telling me how this model was worn by astronauts on the Apollo programme.

Grey Fox photo

An Omega Speedmaster played a vital role in timing the re-entry engine burn that enabled Apollo XIII to return safely to Earth after the near-fatal explosion on board.  The Speedmaster was also the only watch worn on the surface of the Moon.  It has been used in space from the mid-sixties through to the days of the Space Shuttle.

It was many years before I owned by own Speedmaster.  I have owned, worn and sold several , but my favourite is a 1968 model identical to that worn by the Apollo astronauts.  As with other aspects of my taste in clothes and possessions  (see for example my Nigel Cabourn Tenzing jacket), the history and tradition represented by an object plays a major part in my choosing it.  The Speedmaster is a lovely watch and is a genuine tool watch - robust and beautifully made.

Photo courtesy of Ming

Spot the Speedmasters in these photos below (courtesy of NASA and the Russian Space programme).

Neil Armstrong wears a Speedmaster during training

On the Moon