Timekeepers of Spaceflight. An annotated personal collection

Ref: 311.30.42.30.01.001 (2025)

Year: 1965 (NASA Qualification)

The watch that defines spaceflight timekeeping on the wrist. Officially qualified by NASA in 1965, the Speedmaster became standard issue for Gemini, Apollo, and beyond. It timed critical burns, backed up onboard systems, and was there when Apollo 11 touched the Moon.

This isn’t just a watch — it’s the base

Ref: 98A285 (2025)

Year: 1971 (Apollo 15)

Not officially issued — but arguably just as legendary. During Apollo 15, astronaut Dave Scott wore his personal Bulova chronograph after his Speedmaster crystal popped off.

It’s one of the few privately owned watches ever worn on the Moon. A backup that became history.

Mission: Apollo 15

Ref: 6139-6005 (1973)

Year: 1973 (Skylab 4)

Worn by astronaut William Pogue aboard Skylab, this automatic chronograph flew somewhat unofficially — but undeniably.

Bright, unconventional, and distinctly Seiko, it represents a shift: space wasn’t just government-issued anymore. Personal choice had entered orbit.

Mission: Skylab 4

Ref: 142-3273 (1985)

Year: 1985 (Spacelab D1)

Worn by German astronaut Reinhard Furrer during the Spacelab D1 mission, the Sinn 140 proved that automatic chronographs could perform reliably in space.

A tool watch in the purest sense — no ceremony, just function.

Mission: Spacelab D1

Ref: A829-6019 (1984)

Year: 1980s (Shuttle Era)

Designed for pilots and adapted for astronauts, the Seiko A829 represents the transition into multi-function quartz instruments.

A unique, digital, multifunction watch, with world time capability — this is where watches began competing with onboard systems, not just backing them up.

Ref: 638.10.141.3

Year: 1990s–2000s (Mir / ISS Era)

Built for continuous life in orbit, the Fortis B-42 became standard issue for Russian space missions. Durable, highly legible, and mechanically robust — this was a working instrument, not a ceremonial piece.

Fortis chronographs have accumulated years of total mission time, making them one of the most contin

Ref: 054/128 (2010)

Year: 2015 (ESA Mission – Christer Fuglesang)

A modular movement system combining swappable mechanical and digital timekeeping, worn by ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang.

It reflects a new era — where innovation isn’t just about survival, but adaptability.

Misson: STS 128

Ref: 3290.50 / 3291.50

Year: 1998–2000s (Shuttle / Early ISS Era)

Developed with astronaut input, the X-33 marked a shift to digital mission tools. Lightweight titanium, mission timers, alarms, and UTC tracking — built for real operational use in orbit.

Missions: Space Shuttle Missions, Early ISS Expeditions

Ref: F2340012 (2022) 

Year: 2022 (Stratospheric / Spaceflight Program)

An actual space-flown watch — not just worn during missions, but sent well beyond the Kármán line as part of modern testing programs.

This functional tool watch bridges collector, space tourist, and artifact. It’s not inspired by space — it’s been there.  

Mission: Sub Orbital Expres

Ref: 318.90.45.79.01.001 (2025)

Year: 2014 (ESA / ISS Era)  Developed with input from astronauts, the X-33 was built specifically for modern space missions.Digital precision, mission timers, alarms — this wasn’t heritage. This was purpose-built equipment for life in orbit.  

Missions: Boeing Starliner Orbital Test Flight, Numerous ISS Expeditions (e.g. 

Ref: AB02307A1C1P1  (2026)

Year: 2026 (Artemis Program)  

A modern unveiling and reinvisioning of a historic space watch, now tied to NASA’s Artemis missions and our return to the moon.  Meteorite dial, manual-wind chronograph — it connects past and future in a single piece.  

Mission: Artemis II