The realm of horology is not limited to just grand halls of auctions and cozy warmth of collectors’ studios but extends beyond the Earth itself. The use of vintage watches in space exploration has marked memorable milestones in horological and astronomical history.
The first watch that marked its journey through the cosmos was the vintage Speedmaster by Omega. Their intricate engineering was deemed reliable enough for NASA’s celestial missions, and thus an Omega Speedmaster graced the wrist of astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. More on their journey can be found here.
It was not just the Omega that orbited the earth. Bulova, a company famous for its luxury timepieces, also contributed to the stellar horological legacy. Astronaut David Scott, during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, donned a Bulova timepiece. The watch now stands as an emblem of the majestic convergence of space exploration and horological artistry. You can find similar rare vintage watches at Amazon.
Interestingly, the universe of horology did not only serve space explorations but also took inspiration from them. Many luxury timepiece manufacturers have launched special editions of watches commemorating significant space events, like the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The participation of watches in such historic events adds a new layer of meaningful significance to watch history.
Most space-flown vintage watches have been preserved as part of collections, while some have found their way into auctions, fetching astronomical prices due to their unique space legacy. An example is the Bulova watch worn by astronaut David Scott that fetched a mind-boggling $1.6 million, an event you can read about here. At similar rates but more accessible selections, you can find vintage timepieces at Amazon.
The relationship between watches and space exploration underscores how inextricably linked we are to the rhythm of time, whether on earth or in space. These vintage watches stand as iconic exemplars of human innovation, audacity, and tireless persistence, embracing not only a technical marvel but also a piece of the space exploration narrative.