Omega

What I find strange is that *IF* NASA serviced the watch and replaced parts why would they put in a later-type chrono seconds hand, a later-type bezel insert, but a pusher type that is not seen on any of the later references, nor can I find their match in the Moonwatch Only book. (I first thought they were the same type as some 2998, but the heads are different). 

 If the pushers were to be replaced, why not with parts from the then current references 105.012, 145.012, or even 145.022, all of which have much fatter pushers than those found on Cooper's watch. If they were replaced, they used some strange pushers which also happen to be found on my 105.003 as well. 

It's definitely possible, I'm just finding it strange if that's what happened. One way to know what the original configuration of Cooper's Speedmaster was is to find photographs of him wearing his Speedmaster immediately before, during, or immediately after his missions. NASA has released thousands of archived photographs from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. Hopefully, with some luck a clear photograph of the watch on his wrist with the hands, insert and pusher details can be found. 

 Below are two photographs of Cooper along with Charles "Pete" Conrad aboard the USS Lake Champlain after they were recovered subsequent to the splashdown of Gemini V on August 29, 1965. The straight-lug Speedmasters on both their wrists are clearly visibile (Conrad is also wearing what looks like a Bulova Astronaut or Glycine Airman on the same arm as his Speedy). Unfortunately, the image is too blurry when I blow it up on my Mac to see the details of the hands, insert, and pushers on Gordon's Speedmaster.  But the search for clearer photographs will go on

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