Apollo 11: “One small step for a man”
On the 16 July 1969 at 13.32 UTC, a Saturn V SA-506 rocket launches from Kennedy space centre carrying the first men to walk on the moon.
The crew of Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong would make history and open a new horizon in mankind’s quest for exploration.
The mission would see the lunar module Eagle, land in the Mare Tranquilitatis on the 20 July 1969 at 20,17 UTC.
The first watch on the moon – would be a an Omega Speedmaster ref 105.012- on Buzz Aldrin’s space suit. Armstrong left his watch in the LM.
A total of two and a quarter hours would be spent on the moon. The crew returned on the 24 July at 13.31 UTC, picked up by the USS Hornet. The mission lasted for 8 days and 3 hours, 18 minutes and 35 seconds.
Speedmaster were of course the chosen watch, and Neil Armstrong’s mission watch was a reference 105.012-65. Michael Collins wore a ref 145.012-67 and we know that Buzz Aldrin’s watch was a 105.012.
But which one?- well his watch was lost in transit on its way to the National Air and Space museum. So any clues?
I have had an informal response from a famous vintage Omega authorised dealer (who sent the request to Omega) it could well have been a reference 105.012-CB.
Close inspection of the pictures in my opinion seems to collaborate this view- looking at the twist of the lugs. But you can make your own mind up!
Neil Armstrong: 105.12-65
Michael Collins: 145.012-67
Buzz Aldrin : 105.012-? (CB??)
My grateful thanks and credits for the picture to NASA and the National Air and Space museum.
These images are in the public domain- and have not been used for any commercial purpose, purely education.
That concluded the history of the Apollo missions and the history of the Speedmaster.
Miranda.....
Thank you, its been enjoyable doing this and a star has emerged I will share soon [nt]
Merci, Imran. With all these posts, you will make me want to find my Speedmaster! ;) [nt]
The ‘Apollo 11’ movie that is out now is fantastic...
Thank you for that great reminder of an amazing moment.
10 years
Still remember how I watched it with my dad on our B&W television.
And how I later on got a book with high resolution color pictures. Fantastic
Years later I became an Air Force pilot, was at Cape Canaveral and at Houston Space Center.
It was a time full of dreams of the future.
Great post thanks
Thank you.
. Wholeheartedly, Filip
By the way, there is a new documentary....
Wow Imran! What a great post!! A lot of work involved in producing it for our delight!! And a great and well deserved Tribute to these heroes!! I treasure the memory...
Dear Imran, this post (and series) is SO GOOD that I need to say thanks again and..
best regards