Omega Speedmaster and Apollo 7 Mission
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Omega Speedmaster and Apollo 7 Mission

By ImranLondon · Nov 19, 2018 · 8 replies
ImranLondon
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Miranda's post offers a captivating look back at the Apollo 7 mission, highlighting its critical role in space exploration history. This article provides a concise overview of the mission's objectives and achievements, underscoring the enduring connection between Omega's Speedmaster Professional and NASA's manned spaceflights. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context behind the 'Moonwatch' legacy.

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On October 11th 1968, the Apollo 7 mission began with a successful take off at 15:02 UTC. On board were Walter Schirra, Donn Eisele and Walter Cunningham. It lasted for 10 days, 20 hours and 9 minutes. 







The purpose of the mission was to test the newly modified CSM. This was extensively re-designed following the Apollo 1 tragedy.










In total 163 orbits were made around the Earth, before splash down in the North Atlantic on the 22nd October.

The Apollo 7 CM was launched into space on the Saturn 1B- SA205 rocket.

This was the first ever mission into space with a three man crew and also the first mission to beam back to Earth live pictures on television.













All the pilots wore the Speedmaster professional.

 

Donn Eisele wore two Speedmaster professional watches. The officially supplied watch was S/N 34. This watch was the ref. 105.012-65. He also wore another 105.012-65 but this was his own. NASA also gave this watch a serial number, which was unusual for an astronaut’s personal watch- S/N 38. This was sold by Sotheby’s.

 

Walter Cunningham also wore a reference 105.012-65, identifiable by the two step caseback.

 

Walter Schirra: hard to be definitive on this one. There is no records that I could find for this one, although from the shape of the lugs it does look like another 105.012-65. However, I cannot be 100% on it being a -65, althoughI am extremely confident it is a 105.012.

 

In summary:

 

Walter Cunningham: 105.012-65 (National Air and Space museum verified)

Donn Eisele: S/N 34 105.102-65 Recovered with NASA now   S/N 38 105.012-65: Sotheby’s

Walter Schirra: 105.012 – derivative likely -65: UNVERIFIED




Walter Cunningham Speedmaster 105.012-65 

Picture credit National Air and Space museum 








Donn Eisele Speedmaster 105.012-65 S/N 34: this watch was lost and recovered in Ecuador in November 2017!







Donn Eisele Speedmaster 105.012-65 S/N 38 pic courtesy Sotheby’s 





Walter Schirra: S/N 32 Speedmaster 105.012- ?



 Donn Eisele wearing both Speedmasters
Picture credit: Smithsonian, National Air and Space museum 

About the Omega Nautilus Ref. CK2998

The Omega Nautilus reference CK2998 is a specific model within the Omega lineup. This reference is identified by its unique alphanumeric designation.

No verifiable details regarding the case, materials, crystal, or movement are provided in the input facts or the collector's post.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in specific Omega models identified by their reference numbers. Its position within the broader Omega collection is defined by its individual reference.

Specifications

Caliber
321
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39-40mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AU
AuHavrePro
Nov 19, 2018

Most of these images I have not seen before! Thank you very much indeed. Cheers, Filip

JL
JLCman
Nov 19, 2018

Thanks a lot, my friend, for these new insights in the fascinating Apollo & Speedmaster history 🤩

CH
ChristianDK
Nov 19, 2018

Thank You, Imran. The pictures are just stunning. I can keep looking at them again and again.

NA
nasseriq
Nov 19, 2018

I read that the odds for the Apollo 11 mission being successful, were no more than 1 in 3. Imagine the bravery of these chaps. Best Reubin

DR
Dr No
Nov 19, 2018

. . . which must've been a later addition. Art

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