NASA issued this Omega Speedmaster chronograph to astronaut Neil Armstrong for use during the Apollo 11 mission of July 1969.
Selected after a series of rigorous tests demonstrated its high level of precision and reliability, the Speedmaster chronograph was chosen by NASA for the U.S. space program in 1964. Program requirements called for a manual-winding wrist chronograph that was water-proof, shock-proof, anti-magnetic, able to withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 200 degrees Farenheit, and accelerations of up to 12 g's. NASA first certified the Omega Speedmaster as the chronograph for the Gemini program and made successive purchases for both the Apollo and the Skylab/ASTP missions.
NASA transferred Armstrong's chronograph to the Museum in 1973.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Switzerland
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories
Astronaut
Neil A. Armstrong
Manufacturer
Omega Watch Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 5.1 × 3.8 × 1.3cm (2 × 1 1/2 × 1/2 in.)
3-D (With Band): 17.8 × 4.1 × 2.3cm (7 × 1 5/8 × 7/8 in.)
Materials
Case: Stainless steel
Lens: Hesalite (synthetic crystal)
Interior mechanism: Brass, stainless steel, jewels
Inventory Number
A19731247000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
