NASA issued this Omega Speedmaster chronograph to astronaut Charles Duke l for use during the Apollo 16 mission of April 1972.
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 Duke's chronograph to the Museum in 1977.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Switzerland
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories
Astronaut
Charles M. Duke Jr.
Manufacturer
Omega Watch Co.
Dimensions
Overall: 2 in. long x 1 1/2 in. wide x 1/2 in. deep (5.08 x 3.81 x 1.27cm)
Materials
Case: Stainless steel
Lens: Hesalite (synthetic crystal)
Interior mechanism: Brass, stainless steel, jewels
Inventory Number
A19771166000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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