Tag Archives: Thomas Stafford

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.

Press Release – Recalling adventures in space

Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford and Major General Alexei Leonov

Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford and Major General Alexei Leonov

Recalling adventures in space: Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford and Air Force Major General Alexei Leonov meet at the OMEGA Pavilion. The legendary space explorers share stories from their experiences beyond our earth.

February 10th 2014 – read more below the gallery

On 10 February, guests at the OMEGA Pavilion in Sochi witnessed the reunion of astronaut Lieutenant General Thomas Stafford and cosmonaut Air Force Major General Alexei Leonov at an event highlighting the significance of past space explorations.

The astronaut and the cosmonaut are best known for their roles in the space race, their extensive work on a number of space missions for their countries and their meaningful handshake during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) in 1975 – a gesture that is often said to have played a role in ending the Cold War. The ASTP was the first joint flight between American and Soviet spacecraft and this historic event and its significance were discussed during a question-and-answer session on stage at the Pavilion.

Describing the importance of the program, Mr Stafford said: “What Apollo Soyuz showed the whole world was that these two great countries with different languages, different units of measurements and certainly vastly different political systems could work together to achieve a common goal.”

Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, recounted his brand’s involvement in space exploration, saying: “I think people underestimate the value of the encounter of the Apollo Soyuz Project.” He pointed out that the project’s significance has been overshadowed by the lunar landings that had taken place a few years earlier adding that while the missions to the Moon were extraordinary technological achievements, Apollo Soyuz had long term political and sociological significance that continues to resonate.

Before walking through the Pavilion and taking a ride on the bobsleigh simulator, Mr Stafford spoke about his appreciation for the brand, saying to OMEGA President Urquhart: “We want to thank you and OMEGA for all you’ve contributed to space exploration.”

OMEGA AND SPACE
OMEGA is defined by its pioneering spirit and has actively participated in some of mankind’s most challenging and fascinating adventures, including the conquest of space and all six lunar landings. The brand is proud to include space legends Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan and Thomas Stafford in its family of prominent brand ambassadors.

Discover OMEGA’s role at Sochi 2014 by following this link.

NASA Wristshot: Thomas P. Stafford and Walter M. Schirra Jr.

Thomas P. Stafford and Walter M. Schirra Jr

Thomas P. Stafford and Walter M. Schirra Jr.

Pictured are Gemini 6 Astronauts Thomas P. Stafford and Walter M. Schirra Jr., at their suiting up exercises at Cape Kennedy. Walt Schirra is of course wearing his Speedmaster – likely the very same that would become known as the First Omega in Space..

Walter M. Schirra Jr Speedmaster close-up

Walter M. Schirra Jr Speedmaster close-up