Omega Speedmaster: Apollo 16 Mission Watches
Reference Guide

Omega Speedmaster: Apollo 16 Mission Watches

By ImranLondon · Feb 18, 2019 · 4 replies
ImranLondon
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Miranda presents a detailed historical overview of the Apollo 16 mission, emphasizing the crucial role of Omega Speedmaster watches worn by astronauts John Young, Charles Duke, and Ken Mattingly. This post meticulously documents the mission's duration, objectives, and the specific Speedmaster references that accompanied the crew on their lunar highlands adventure, making it a valuable resource for space and watch enthusiasts alike.

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The tenth Apollo mission took off on the 16.04.72 and lasted for 11 days 1 hour and 51 minutes! returning home on the 27.04.72



On board were the Astronauts, John Young, Charles Duke and Ken Mattingly. 


Their mission, was the fifth moon landing and the first time  a landing took place in the lunar highlands.


The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was used was for the second time and it covered 26.7km on the lunar surface.

Both Young and Duke spent a total of 71 hours on the lunar surface of which 20 hours and 14 minutes was extra-vehicular.






Speedmaster’s were of course essential equipment and all three astronauts wore them:
Mattingly: 105.012-65





John Young: 105.012: CB case







Charles Duke :105.012-CB









Summary;

 

Thomas Mattingly   105.012-65

John Young             105.012-CB

Charles Duke          105.012-CB

 

All picture credits gratefully to NASA and the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.

About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.

This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.

The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.

Specifications

Caliber
321
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
60m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AR
Ares501 - Mr Green
Feb 18, 2019

Thanks for this series mate Truly enjoyable read. Cheers D

JL
JLCman
Feb 18, 2019

I remember that James Young a few years later also was pilot of the first Space Shuttle flight...

AU
AuHavrePro
Feb 18, 2019

Lots of time spent roving around on this occasion. Cheers, Filip

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