Recently I've got an inquiry again about my timekeeping when using long exposures...
I placed it in the category "What is the best way to carry a tripod" . (The answer is "Let somebody else carry it for you")
Instead of ignoring these questions, I will tell about my watch.
Actually you can count like "twenty-one, twenty-two..and so on. I use a chronometer for all my photographic work. I used it in the darkroom also.(Tritium hands and markings - Tritium is a mildly radioactive material that is added to the paint to continually excite the phosphors in the paint , causing it to glow all the time.) The nominal amount of radioactivity in the tritium is not a safety hazard. It is so weak that even the crystal of the watch is more than sufficient to block it. (Using the Aero Ektar is a different story) It struck my mind however, I'm using this machine already for nearly 40 years. The full name is: Omega SpeedMaster Professional. Just coincidence it is also a speed :-)
As it has been serviced lately, I did some searching on the internet and yes it is vintage watch for sure and well sought after. (Maybe that was the reason for the inquiries, I never stood still by this possibility.
During the years I had many requests and bids on my watch, now I'm glad it is still in perfect condition with its original bracelet (1039).



Highslide JS

Highslide JS

Courtesy Omega publications

Highslide JS
Courtesy Omega publications

Highslide JS

My Timepiece.

Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch with calibre 321 movement. (Lemania 2310) A vintage Omega pre-moon Speedmaster which uses the famed column wheel based calibre 321 movement.
Omega originally started using the calibre 321 chronograph movement in the first series of Speedmasters that did not have the built in crown guards and were not classified as Professional watches. Somewhere around 1965-1966 a revised model was introduced called the 105-012 which was sold alongside the non crown guard model, 105-003.







Omega Speedmaster "Missions" Collection

Detail of the Speedmaster Professional featuring the Appollo XIII patch on its dial at 9 o'clock
Below the complete set. (Only 40 sets were offered for retail)



Omega Speedmaster "Missions" Collection Valise

The case contains a special series of 22 stainless steel Speedmaster watches, each with a different official NASA mission patch on its dial at 9 o'clock: from the August 1965 Gemini V to the November 1973 Skylab SL-4. The collection also includes a replica of the original 1957 Speedmaster. When the non crown guard model was discontinued, the Speedmaster reference changed to 145-012, which is what this model is. It is also suggested that this model was in fact the specific reference number worn on the fist NASA lunar mission.



The year 2007 has marked the 50th anniversary of the famous Moonwatch - Omega Speedmaster. To celebrate the anniversary of the first and the only watch worn on the Moon, the company has launched the commemorative Speedmaster Professional Chronograph Moonwatch. The timepiece is developed in a limited edition of 5,957 stainless steel pieces. The dial of the new Omega watch features a golden seahorse created in a special commemorative design. The timepiece so closely related to space history is aimed to join the collections of most avid watch enthusiasts. The Omega Professional Chronograph Moonwatch features a black dial, chronograph counters and tachymeter, which were the distinctive features of the initial hand-winding Speedmaster released in 1957.




Highslide JS Caliber 321.

The caliber 321 movement was recently serviced and keeps great time. All of the chronograph functions still perform flawlessly. You may know that the caliber 321 is one of the most highly regarded Chronograph movements ever made and was used in the Omega Speedmaster Chronograph that qualified for use by NASA.
The big difference between the cal. 321 and the cal. 861 is the use of a "schaltrad" instead of a "shuttlecam". The cal. 861 is a bit more accurate (21600A/h instead of the 18.000A/h of the Cal. 321). The big decision of Omega to use the Cal.861 in 1968 was probably the reducing in cost. The use of parts was reduced and the expensive "schaltrad" chronograph system was dropped.




Highslide JS First and only watch on the Moon.

On July 21, 1969 at 02.56 GMT, the Speedmaster (Cal.321) was worn by Neil Armstrong (Apollo XI) when he became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon and utter the immortal words "Thats one small step for men, one giant leap for mankind". This extraordinary timepiece is the only watch ever worn on the Moon and the only watch flight certified for astronauts and cosmonauts during their walks in space.

Actually my watch was bought on July 9, 1968.




Highslide JS

Courtesy Public Domain

 Neil Armstrong in the Apollo XI

Portrait of Neil Armstrong almost 40 years back in the Apollo XI. Unfortunately the Speedmaster cal 321 is a little out of focus, however it is unmistakably the Speedy on a NASA velcro strap (Nasa Blueprint: DWG SEB 12100030)
My Speedmaster was earth-bound all the time, but still going strong!

Suddenly it feels appropriate to finish this site with this page about time...





Continued



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