posted 10-21-2014 03:02 PM               

Count Down to Bonhams Fine Watch Auction as German Astronaut's Omega Speedmaster Wristwatch Boldly Goes Under the Hammer

A watch specially designed for outer space, and worn by German astronaut Reinhard Furrer, is to be sold as part of Bonhams Fine Watch auction, taking place on December 10th.

Made to withstand the extremities of outer space, the stainless steel chronograph wristwatch was produced in 1978, but re-tested by NASA for the German funded 1985 Space Shuttle Challenger mission. Astronauts including Furrer were provided with the watches, and they were worn over their suit or Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU).

NASA equipment, including watches, had to be rigorously re-tested. Omega submitted watches for certification and every NASA project Omega handled was given the code name 'Alaska' – this Speedmaster was from the 'Alaska III' project.

Paul Maudsley, Director of the Bonhams Watch Department, said: "The Omega Speedmaster has long been associated with Space and it's a privilege to have in for sale such a rare watch with official NASA numbers and Omega verification. Over thirty years later the watch is in excellent working condition, and will provide a fascinating trophy for its next owner."

The watch is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

posted 10-21-2014 03:11 PM               

Astronauts including Furrer were provided with the watches, and they were worn over their suit or Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU).

And from the Fratellowatches article:

...he probably received it during ESA & NASA training in Germany and 'forgot' to give it back to NASA.

posted 10-21-2014 03:36 PM               

I'm currently looking at a "Worn/Carry-On Assy" form from another astronaut on an earlier shuttle flight. This form lists everything the astronaut is going to wear/bring on their person for launch. Some items include socks, pens, calculators, sunglasses, as well as their coveralls and helmet.

There is a line item for "Chronograph" with the same exact part number already pre-printed "SED12100312-301" on the form. The only handwritten variable on this line is the serial number.