Influence of Space Missions on Watch Design and Functionality
Credit: nationalgeographic.fr
Space missions have had a profound impact on the design and functionality of watches. The extreme conditions of space required watches to be highly durable, precise, and reliable. This led to innovations such as shock resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and enhanced readability. The need for watches to withstand the harsh environment of space travel prompted the development of new materials and technologies. For instance, the use of special lubricants that remain stable in extreme temperatures, and the incorporation of robust case materials like stainless steel and titanium, became standard. Watches also needed to be able to function in a vacuum and resist the radiation encountered in space. These requirements pushed watchmakers to innovate continuously, leading to the creation of timepieces that could perform reliably under the most demanding conditions.
Richard R. Gordon’s Omega Speedmaster. Credit: spaceflight.nasa.gov
The Role of Watches in the Space Race
Watches played a crucial role in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era serving as essential tools for astronauts.
In the early days of space exploration, precise timekeeping was vital for mission success.
For instance, timing engine burns to adjust spacecraft trajectories required highly accurate watches. The Apollo missions highlighted the importance of reliable timepieces, with the Speedmaster being used to time critical maneuvers, such as timing the 14-second engine burn needed to correct the spacecraft's trajectory after an explosion crippled the service module during the Apollo 13 mission, manoeuver that helped bring the crew safely back to Earth.
The Soviet Union was the first to send a human into space, with Yuri Gagarin's historic flight in 1961. Gagarin wore a Sturmanskie watch, a durable and accurate timepiece designed for aviators.
Timekeeping in Extravehicular Activities (EVAs)
Extravehicular activities, or spacewalks, posed unique challenges for timekeeping. Watches had to be easily readable in direct sunlight and darkness, withstand the vacuum of space, and function reliably over extended periods. For example Gemini 4: The first American spacewalk, where astronaut Ed White used two Omega Speedmaster to time various tasks and ensure they returned to the spacecraft safely.
Credit: fratellowatches.com
These timepieces were not only tools but also symbols of technological prowess in the space race.
Examples of Functionality developed for space exploration
Durability and Shock Resistance
One of the first challenges was ensuring that watches could endure the intense vibrations and shocks experienced during rocket launches and landings. Watches like the Omega Speedmaster underwent rigorous testing to ensure they could survive these harsh conditions. This included exposure to high G-forces, intense vibrations, and sudden jolts.
Temperature Resilience
In space, temperatures can swing dramatically from extremely hot to bone-chillingly cold. Watches designed for space missions had to maintain accuracy despite these fluctuations. NASA tested watches by exposing them to temperatures ranging from -18°C to +93°C (-0.4°F to +199.4°F), ensuring they could function in the vacuum of space as well as in the oxygen-rich environment of a spacecraft.
Radiation Protection
Space travel exposes both astronauts and their equipment to higher levels of radiation than found on Earth. Watches had to be designed to resist the effects of this radiation, which could otherwise interfere with their internal components. This led to the development of radiation-hardened materials and movements.
Magnetic Resistance
The equipment aboard spacecraft generates strong magnetic fields, which can disrupt the timekeeping mechanisms of traditional watches. To address this, space watches were equipped with anti-magnetic properties. The use of non-magnetic materials and protective casings became standard practice, allowing watches to remain accurate in the presence of magnetic interference.
Notable Watches Associated with Space Exploration
Omega Speedmaster Professionnal
Often referred to as the "Moonwatch," is perhaps the most famous. It was the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 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.
Seiko 6139
Known as the "Pogue" after astronaut William Pogue who wore it during the Skylab 4 mission, holds the distinction of being the first automatic chronograph in space. Pogue used his Seiko 6139 during the Skylab 4 mission in 1973.On November 16, 1973, when Mr. William Pogue, a NASA astronaut, boarded the Saturn IB rocket, he put a Seiko wristwatch in the pocket of his space suit.
The watch was a Caliber 6139 Seiko "5 SPORTS Speed-Timer," the world’s first automatic chronograph, which Seiko launched in the spring of 1969. Mr. Pogue purchased it for 71 dollars at that time at a kiosk in the air base.
Seiko watches were not officially approved by NASA. However, when flight training started, official watches were not yet distributed to astronauts. Therefore, Mr. Pogue did flight training while wearing a Seiko. “I found this Seiko to be very convenient when measuring the burn time of a rocket engine using the rotating bezel,” he said. Mr. Pogue wanted to use the Seiko in space as well, and decided to carry it with him on the mission in his personal belongings. On the space station, he completed his assignments wearing the NASA official wristwatch on his right wrist and the Seiko on his left.
Bulova Lunar Pilot
Credit: hodinkee.com
Worn by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 is another notable example. Astronaut Dave Scott wore his personal Bulova chronograph on the lunar surface after his Omega Speedmaster's crystal popped off.
Explore our series about The forgotten innovations of 70's watchmaking:
- Intro - The Forgotten Innovations of 70's Watchmaking
- 1 - The Rise of Quartz Technology
- 5a - The Emergence of Design Icons
- 5b - Gerald Genta: The Maestro behind 1970's Watch Design
- 6 - The Impact of Space Exploration
