NASA issued this Omega Speedmaster chronograph to astronaut Wally Schirra for use during the Gemini 6 mission of December 1965. 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 Schirra'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
Manufacturer
Omega Watch Co.
Astronaut
Walter M. Schirra, Jr.
Dimensions
3-D: 5.1 x 3.8 x 1.3cm (2 x 1 1/2 x 1/2 in.)
Materials
Case: Stainless steel
Lens: Hesalite (synthetic crystal)
Interior mechanism: Brass, stainless steel, jewels
Inventory Number
A19771143000
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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