Hey everyone, have you had time to see The Speedmaster Chronicles #1
from Monochrome Watches? ..It's the first of a five part video series that will
focus on Omega's Speedmaster, or "Moonwatch". As well as it's history, and
countless people involved with both the watch, and NASA also.
In the first episode we get to listen to Aerospace Engineer, and Former NASA
Program Manager James H. Ragan. The man who helped the Speedmaster become
the "Moonwatch" by testing them, and certifying them "Flight Qualified By NASA
For All Manned Space Missions."
Thought Omega fans might enjoy the terrific insight, stories, and look at all of
the various Speedmasters.
Going to have a couple more for you in a little while.
Re: The Speedmaster Chronicles part 1
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 4:02 pm
by bedlam
NASA required that all watches for the space program had to be minimum 51% made in the US, yet the Speedmaster says Swiss Made on the dial. Either the Speedy didn't really qualify or the dial marking is BS. Anyone know more about this?
NASA required that all watches for the space program had to be minimum 51% made in the US
Never heard of that before - have you got a reference?
Many of the watches chosen for testing from the first batch and for years later were non-US brands (including Rolex and Seiko), so this seems highly unlikely (or at least not important in reality).
NASA required that all watches for the space program had to be minimum 51% made in the US
Never heard of that before - have you got a reference?
Many of the watches chosen for testing from the first batch and for years later were non-US brands (including Rolex and Seiko), so this seems highly unlikely (or at least not important in reality).
Struggling to find a clear reference, but its referred to in this article...
In 1972, brands that previously failed got a second chance when NASA embarked on the Second Qualification Program, something that was heavily promoted by General Bradley, President of Bulova. According to Kesaharu Imai’s seminal research, Bulova lobbied Senators into action by requiring new and current participants to comply with the “Buy American Act.” This law, dating back to 1933, required 51% of a government-issued product to be manufactured in the US. Out of the 16 participating firms, only two eagerly complied—Omega and Bulova.
NASA required that all watches for the space program had to be minimum 51% made in the US, yet the Speedmaster says Swiss Made on the dial. Either the Speedy didn't really qualify or the dial marking is BS. Anyone know more about this?
As the article discusses, Omega contracted the watch cases for the NASA issued watches to comply with this requirement, with some assembly happening in the U.S. This was a limited contract for a short time period and small batch of watches in the late 70’s and they removed Swiss Made and had other differences. Assuming the buy American requirement was waived or not in place earlier in the Space Program, especially if no American Watch existed that passed the test.
