Tag Archives: Charles Duke

Press Release: Omega hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing at Cape Canaveral

May 10th, 2019 – OMEGA hosts a star-filled tribute to the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing with George Clooney and an impressive line-up of NASA veterans; including Charlie Duke and Thomas Stafford.

It was a gathering of greats at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center when OMEGA paid tribute to the mission that made history.

After a day of discussions on a range of space-related subjects, media and VIP guests enjoyed a “Golden Moments” dinner served beneath the impressive Saturn 5 rocket, which was attended by George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Charlie Duke and Thomas Stafford.

Clearly proud of the Swiss brand’s claim-to-fame as the first watch worn on the Moon, President and CEO of OMEGA Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann summed up the spirit of the occasion. “It’s a huge achievement to land on another world. I can’t think of a better reason to raise a glass in tribute.”

Though OMEGA Ambassador George Clooney drew a great deal of media attention, the self-effacing actor was determined to ensure the spotlight stayed focused on his fellow guests. “It’s a great pleasure to be here – and an honor. I have enormous respect for the people who made the Apollo missions such a success.”

George Clooney was joined on stage by veteran of four NASA space missions and commander of Apollo 10 Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford, along with CAPCOM for Apollo 11 and Apollo 16 lunar module pilot Charlie Duke.

Reflecting on the pioneering spirit of the Apollo era, Charlie Duke described it as an exciting time but stressed that the success of the 1969 mission was down to hard work and commitment. “We were heading to the Moon, but we were also grounded, very realistic, and we never took success for granted, not once.”

Apollo 10’s Thomas Stafford talked about the “alien yet familiar” qualities of the lunar surface, and spoke proudly of his role in Apollo 11’s glory. “It was a great honor for me to play my part in the successful mission that followed.”

Also in attendance were Astronaut and artist Nicole Stott, NASA pilot and ISS commander Terry Virts, ESA astronaut and NASA veteran Jean-François Clervoy, and former NASA engineer and the man behind the Moonwatch, Jim Ragan.

To mark the 50th anniversary OMEGA has released a 42 mm Speedmaster in 18K Moonshine™ gold – an exclusive new alloy which offers a paler hue than traditional yellow gold and higher resistance to fading over time. The design is replete with lunar history as well as modern materials and a superb new movement: OMEGA’s Master Chronometer Calibre 3861- a manual-winding OMEGA Co-Axial escapement movement with Moonshine™ gold plated main plate and bridges, as well as burgundy markings.

The Smithsonian Collection – Part 1

Omega Speedmaster Professional Neil Armstrong 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Professional Neil Armstrong 105.012

This Tuesday feels like a good day to post some important  Speedmasters. And you, visiting SpeedyWatches.com, are probably aware of the fact that the Speedmaster made its dent in world history by being the watch first chosen by NASA to accomplish their heroes on their missions.. So what could be better than posting a line-up of the watches of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum?

To kick off with a bang, the one posted above is the late Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012, worn during Apollo 11.

Omega Speedmaster 105.003

Omega Speedmaster Gordon Cooper 105.003

Somewhat earlier is the Omega Speedmaster 105.003 worn by Gordon Cooper during the 1965 Gemini 5 mission. Inlay might be replaced – but still you can’t even imagine what we’d give to own one of these historical pieces..

Omega Speedmaster Lovell 105.003

Omega Speedmaster Lovell 105.003

Next up, with a somewhat mediocre picture, is James Lovell’s Speedmaster. Although the page at NASA indicates that they were unable to open this one (why Frank?), we’d care to guess it’s another 105.003. Worn during the 1966 Gemini 12 mission.

Omega Speedmaster Stafford 105.003

Omega Speedmaster Stafford 105.003

Indeed, another killer picture… While, the other choice was one similar to the one posted above. Pictured is Tom Stafford’s Speedmaster 105.003 as worn during the 1965 Gemini 6 mission.

Omega Speedmaster Cunningham 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Cunningham 105.012

Another 105.012 – yet now it’s Walter Cunningham’s 105.012 as worn during the Apollo 7 mission of 1968.

Omega Speedmaster Brand 145.0022

Omega Speedmaster Brand 105.012

Al right, so this is the Speedmaster as worn by Vance Brand during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Mission (ASTP) in July, 1975. Though the year might suggest a 145.0022, we’d care to guess it’s a 105.012.

Omega Speedmaster Scott

Omega Speedmaster Scott

Another stunning picture. Bob Ross type of stuff. The best available at the Smithsonian though! This is the Speedmaster worn by David Scott during the 1971 Apollo 15 mission. Reference? Beats us. Probably a 145.012 or 145.022.. But even we can’t tell! 😉

Omega Speedmaster Irwin 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Irwin 105.012

Next up is James Irwin’s Speedmaster as worn during the 1971 Apollo 15 mission. No information on the reference number – likely a 105.012 or maybe an 105.003. Looks great on this strap!

Omega Speedmaster Young 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Young 105.012

We’d care to guess the next picture was not taken at the Smithsonian… But anyway, it’s John Young’s Speedmaster 105.012 as worn during the 1972 Apollo 16 mission.

Omega Speedmaster Lousma 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Lousma 105.012

The party just won’t stop! Pictured is the Speedmaster 105.012 worn by astronaut Jack Lousma on the Skylab 3 mission from July through September, 1973.

Omega Speedmaster Dude 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Duke 105.012

Another stellar picture courtesy of The Smithsonian: the 105.012 as worn by Charles Duke, during the Apollo 16 mission in April 1972.

Omega Speedmaster Gordon 105.012

Omega Speedmaster Gordon 105.012

A pattern seems to be emerging – the NASA fondness of the 105.012. This one was issued to astronaut Richard Gordon for use during the Apollo 12 mission of November, 1969.

This is it for part 1 of our Smithsonian monster post. In the next few days, we will update this post with relevant information and somewhat more lucid descriptions. Stay tuned for part 2!

Interested in owning your own part of history? Consider the 3570.50.00 – the original Moonwatch.

Pics by the Smithsonian. Information through private archives and NASA.