The Speedmaster Signature Collection* is a chronological journey of historic moments in spaceflight recorded in time by the astronauts and cosmonauts who made history exploring from the Earth to the Moon and beyond with the Omega Speedmaster. The collection is dedicated to all the men and women who dedicated their lives to furthering the exploration of space. In chronological order, it tells the story of the significant events that paved the way to landing a man on the Moon and the missions that followed.
Between 1965 and 1972, American astronauts flew the Gemini and Apollo missions. During those historic missions, spaceflight milestones were achieved for the US manned spaceflight program. As each first-time events occurred, the astronauts and mission controllers meticulously recorded the exact time and date. The times and dates are forever part of US manned spaceflight history marking the significant steps taking the astronauts from the first American spacewalk on June 3, 1965, to the last step off the surface of the Moon on December 14, 1972.
Beginning with project Gemini, each mission was assigned specific tasks for the first time. Each new task was attempted, practiced, and mastered to enable the astronauts to travel to the Moon on future Apollo missions. The new tasks assigned to a mission built upon the previous missions' accomplishments and became increasingly more difficult and dangerous. From walking in space, to rendezvous in Earth orbit and circling the Moon, each successfully completed maneuver moved the space program one step closer to landing a man on the Moon.
The pieces in the collection document many of the first-time events or personal milestones that occurred during the missions. The accomplishments are recorded by the astronauts themselves on 1960's style or X-33 Speedmaster case backs that are similar to the case backs present on the NASA-issued Speedmasters they used to mark the time of these historic events. The collection today consists of twenty-five missions documented by twenty-two American astronauts, one European Space Agency astronaut, and two Russian cosmonauts recording the events that are forever part of US manned spaceflight history. The collection also includes the post Apollo years including the ASTP, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and International Space Station Expedition missions.
I would like to thank the astronauts and James Ragan for their valuable time and openness to participating in my project. I would also like to thank those who helped me obtain these pieces. Their time and effort is greatly appreciated.
*This collection has been assembled for my own personal use and its sole purpose is to honor the men and women that participated in the spaceflight program and their achievements. The collection is not endorsed by Omega, The Swatch Group, NASA, ESA European Space Agency, or the astronauts participating and there are no commercial or financial interests associated with the collection. In no way do I benefit either financially or otherwise from this collection.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-11-2015 07:58 AM
The Speedmaster Signature Collection
Gemini 4 - June 3 to June 7, 1965 - First American Spacewalk
Gemini 7 - December 4 to December 18, 1965 - Station-keeping and rendezvous
Gemini 10 - July 18 to July 21, 1966 - The Collins EVA
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-11-2015 07:58 AM
The Speedmaster Signature Collection
Apollo 7 - October 11 to October 22, 1968 - Lift Off!
Apollo 8 - December 21 to December 27, 1968 - The Far Side of the Moon and Earthrise
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-11-2015 07:58 AM
The Speedmaster Signature Collection
Apollo 9 - March 3 to March 13, 1969 - Testing the Lunar Module
Apollo 10 - May 18 to May 26, 1969 - Closest Approach to the Moon
Apollo 11 - July 16 to July 24, 1969 - We Came In Peace
Apollo 11 - The legendary Moonwatch is born
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-11-2015 07:59 AM
The Speedmaster Signature Collection
Apollo 12 - November 14 to November 24, 1969 - Yankee Clipper Sailed With Intrepid To The Ocean Of Storms
Apollo 13 - April 11 to April 17, 1970 - The First Order of Business
Apollo 14 - January 31 to February 9, 1971 - Play It As It Lies
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-11-2015 07:59 AM
The Speedmaster Signature Collection
Apollo 15 - July 26 to August 7, 1971 - Stand-Up EVA
Apollo 16 - April 16 to April 27, 1972 - Photograph and Memories
Apollo 17 - December 7 to December 19, 1972 - The Last Step
Apollo-Soyuz Test Project - July 15 to July 24, 1975 - The end of the Space Race
Expedition 40 - May 29 to November 9, 2014 - The X-33 Generation
David Carey Member
Posts: 947 From: Registered: Mar 2009
posted 09-11-2015 11:19 AM
That's a great collection, and very nice photographic work too!
NovaRob Member
Posts: 242 From: Tucson, Arizona, USA Registered: Nov 2008
posted 09-11-2015 02:06 PM
I love the settings, backdrops, and props in your photos! Wonderful presentations.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 09-14-2015 01:03 PM
John, that is a great collection and a very novel idea. I like what you did with the photographic work. That makes the watch case backs really stand out. Great job.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 03-09-2016 03:23 PM
I wanted to share two new pieces I recently added to my collection. The new additions are Buzz Aldrin and the modern X-33 piece.
Jurg Bolli Member
Posts: 1147 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
posted 03-09-2016 07:05 PM
Magnificent!
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 05-12-2016 03:55 AM
This is a new addition to the collection signed by James Ragan the NASA engineer responsible for the original testing of the Speedmaster.
Here is the temporary home of the pieces until something more appropriate can be found.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 05-12-2016 07:02 AM
John, again, you have built a really unique collection. Getting Jim Regan's signature adds to the legend of the Speedmaster.
I think the props in the background like the slide rule ready add to the caseback display.
Jurg Bolli Member
Posts: 1147 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
posted 05-12-2016 07:29 AM
Very nice, John.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 05-12-2016 09:24 PM
Thanks for the kind words Larry. It takes someone with a real affinity for the Speedmaster and its history to appreciate my collection and what I'm trying to accomplish with it.
Philip Member
Posts: 6149 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 06-08-2016 01:17 AM
Superb, are those actual Speedmaster casebacks?
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 06-08-2016 07:45 AM
Yes, each of the pieces in the collection are actual pre-Moon style case backs with only the Hippocampus engraving. I chose this case back because the period correct 105.003, 105.012, and 145.012 Speedmasters worn by the Gemini and Apollo astronauts carried only this engraving.
This is probably more than you were looking for but I think it is one of the most interesting pieces of information about the case backs and the project in general.
Out of the 19 pieces used a number of them are actual vintage period correct 1967 case backs. A NASA issued pre-Moon Speedmaster worn by the Gemini and Apollo astronauts was either an early 105.003, 105.012, or 145.012 model. Inside each watch and stamped on the case back is the model number. A modern replacement for a vintage 145.012 case back carries an extra 0 (zero) in the part number (145.0012) and can easily be identified by a sharp eyed collector but not necessarily to the astronaut signing the piece.
Because new versus vintage could be confused it became a big concern with the first few astronauts I approached about signing. The first few astronauts flat out rejected the idea of signing because there was a genuine concern that once signed the piece could be represented as flown hardware from their mission. In order to solve the problem before my opportunity passed a solution was needed to ease their concern.
To make it impossible to represent the case back as flown hardware laser engraving was added to the vintage pieces and many of the modern pieces moving forward. On the interior, virtually unseen by the naked eye, NOT MISSION FLOWN - 201X / FOR AUTOGRAPH ONLY has been engraved.
Once the engraving was added the concern was alleviated. Now the astronaut simply signs over the engraving. If for any reason the piece becomes separated from the collection and someone maliciously tries to alter the engraving to represent it as flown hardware, the signature over the top of the engraving would surely be destroyed in the process of removing it thus rendering the piece virtually worthless.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 09-30-2016 10:33 AM
This is a new addition to the collection signed by 5 time Shuttle astronaut Kent Rominger who wore the Omega X-33 Speedmaster during his final mission STS-100.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 11-06-2016 09:09 AM
This is a new addition to the collection signed by astronaut Edward Gibson who wore the Omega Speedmaster during his Skylab 4 mission.
Philip Member
Posts: 6149 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 11-28-2016 04:44 AM
Superb items in a unique set ready for the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster chronograph, 1957-2017.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 11-28-2016 06:57 AM
quote:Originally posted by TLIGuy: This is a new addition to the collection signed by astronaut Edward Gibson who wore the Omega Speedmaster during his Skylab 4 mission.
Great piece. The collection just gets better and better. And you do a great job in the photographic displays that you create.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 01-11-2017 12:11 PM
I would like to share the new artwork created for my Speedmaster Signature Collection. The new mission patch design reflects my mission of documenting the historic moments during the manned space program and the use of the Omega Speedmaster during man’s greatest adventure.
The new mission patch design was created with the help of artists Tim Gagnon and Dr. Jorge Cartes. I thank Tim and Jorge for their time and effort to artistically translate the ideas the Speedmaster Signature Collection represents into a remarkable piece of art.
The mission patch design was chosen to tie all the pieces in the collection into one coherent piece of art. Because each piece in the collection is photographed with its corresponding mission patch, the use of the mission patch design was a logical choice. I believe the astronauts, their missions and accomplishments, and the Speedmaster are honorably represented in the final design.
I hope you find the new Speedmaster Signature Collection mission patch and what it represents enjoyable and interesting.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 01-11-2017 12:35 PM
What a great collection idea, John, very impressive! Was it decades/years in the making?
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 01-11-2017 12:58 PM
Thank you for the kind words Ken. Not quite that long. The first piece was signed by Walt in September 2013.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 01-11-2017 03:12 PM
John, you are creating a buzz in the watch collecting world. Love the patch. It adds a logo and branding aspect to the collection.
Well done.
Jurg Bolli Member
Posts: 1147 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
posted 01-11-2017 07:31 PM
This is getting better and better!
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1448 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 01-12-2017 01:06 PM
Very impressive collection!
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 02-08-2017 12:09 PM
This is a new addition to the collection signed by astronaut Jack Lousma who wore the Omega Speedmaster during his Skylab 3 mission.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 02-08-2017 07:13 PM
Another great case back. I am enjoying the additions to your collection. Who's next?
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 06-02-2017 11:33 PM
52 years ago today one hundred and twenty miles above the Earth, Major Edward H. White II opened the hatch of the Gemini IV spacecraft and stepped out of the capsule, becoming the first American astronaut to walk in space.
To celebrate this anniversary I would like to share with you a new way to present the Speedmaster case back signed by Jim McDivitt, who as the Command Pilot of Gemini IV photographed that historic event.
I always thought it would be interesting to combine my original image with video, photographs, and audio to better tell the story of what the piece represents. With the help of Animator Neil Smith, whose talents are beyond words, I believe I have finally been able to do just that. Neil’s vision and creativity along with his image and video editing skills have brought Jim McDivitt’s piece to life in a way that beautifully captures the meaning of the piece. I am thankful for Neil’s interest in my project and his effort working with me to make this happen.
Turn up the volume and I hope you enjoy my tribute to Jim McDivitt, Ed White, and the Gemini IV mission.
Wehaveliftoff Member
Posts: 2343 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 06-03-2017 01:29 AM
I have many autographs, but nothing like the absolute stunning and beautiful way or display of yours John. Truly magnificent in every way.
Please excuse my ignorance and curiosity, but do you have a deal with the Speedmaster about buying your casebacks, as I could not even comprehend the actual costs involved buying a separate watch for each and every one of these signatures?
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 06-03-2017 07:02 AM
quote:Originally posted by TLIGuy: Turn up the volume and I hope you enjoy my tribute to Jim McDivitt, Ed White, and the Gemini IV mission.
Now that was beautiful. Neil did a great job with your photograph and the film footage. I love the moving logo at the end.
Well done.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 07-18-2017 03:35 PM
I would like to share the second video created by Neil Smith for the Expedition 40/41 piece in my collection titled "Window Above The World"
Two technical points about the video to begin. The video includes time lapsed videos from multiple Expedition missions not just Expedition 40/41. Also, while I'm fully aware that entering the hatch from the direction shown you would arrive back inside the Soyuz it was the best entry point into the ISS for the short trip to the cupola and the ending of the video.
I hope you enjoy the new addition.
Wehaveliftoff Member
Posts: 2343 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 07-18-2017 05:32 PM
Do you use the standard fine point black Sharpie for the signings?
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 08-24-2017 04:33 PM
I have added a new addition to the collection from Space Shuttle Commander Frederick Gregory.
Frederick Gregory was selected as an astronaut by NASA in January 1978. Gregory's first space assignment was as pilot of Space Shuttle Challenger, in 1985. On November 23, 1989, he commanded the Space Shuttle Discovery into orbit with four other astronauts. Gregory again commanded a Defense Department mission in 1991 with the launch of Atlantis. Finally, he served as NASA's Deputy Administrator from 2002-2005 and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 1, 2004.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 11-07-2017 06:31 PM
I would like to share the third video created by Neil Smith for Fred Haise's Apollo 13 piece in my collection titled "The First Order of Business."
I hope you enjoy the new addition.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 01-05-2018 10:03 AM
With a little bit of help I have been fortunate enough to add this new piece to my collection from Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Al Worden.
With no great still images to document the event there are two artistic renderings of the first deep space EVA performed by Al Worden. One is the NASA drawing depicting the event and the other is the great painting by Pierre Mion. My interpretation pales in comparison to both, but with the help of artist Neil Smith it's my vision of what it looked like from Al's point of view as he emerged from Endeavour's hatch looking back at Earth as he began his historic EVA.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 01-05-2018 01:41 PM
Man, that is another great addition to the watch caseback collection. Great quote too.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 12-30-2018 07:02 PM
Here are two new additions added to the collection singed by Joe Engle and Gennady Padalka.
Translation -
878 Days In Space
Cosmonaut Gennady Padalka returns safely to Kazakhstan onboard Soyuz TMA-16M at 03:51 MSK (Moscow time) on September 12, 2015.
Upon completion of Expedition 43/44, his fifth and final mission, Gennady Padalka sets the world record for the most accumulated time in space with 878 days during five spaceflights which included Padalka participating in 10 spacewalks.
TLIGuy Member
Posts: 226 From: Virginia Registered: Jul 2013
posted 02-08-2019 02:38 PM
With the most recent addition to my collection the project now spans 50 years of use of the Omega Speedmaster in space.
With the help of Neil Smith here is the complete 26 piece collection in chronological order from 1965 to 2015.
posted 09-11-2015 07:57 AM
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