Watches in space #1

I thought I would start a small series about watches in space.

I find it fascinating that an object so normal for everyone can be also use by an astronaut in space. Most item going to space need to be specially design to survive lift-off and landing and work with no gravity. But for watches, assuming you can afford them, you can actually buy and wear some of the same model that went to space, amazing !

This first edition is about the Omega Speedmaster, worn by astronaut Ed White on the Gemini 4 mission for the first American spacewalk.

Credit: OmegaMuseum and Nasa

Notice the long velcro strap for the watch to be worn above the spacesuit, in the vacuum of space.

Credit: OmegaMuseum and Nasa