Famous Watches

Fiyta: One "Watch Time" Missed

2006-07-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

Fresh off Shenzhou 5: Yang Li Wei, China's first taikonaut, wearing his Fiyta Chronograph, China's first watch in space, on his left arm. Speculation about the contents of his big gray lunchbox with hose attachment are beyond the scope of this blog. Well, actually not, so if you have a guess, stick it in the comments.

I commented a few days ago about Watch Time's article on "Watches in Space" (June, 2006), the most comprehensive write-up I've seen so far on the topic. However, they notably missed covering the:

--Fiyta Chronograph

Perhaps the Fiyta is too low-rent for the lofty, Patek-scented atmosphere of Watch Time.

Perhaps the unique and distinctive dial failed to make its functions clear to the editors. I know I'm baffled as to the purpose of all those freaky extra hash marks and colors, other than to remind me of the ceiling of a Swedish smorgabord buffet my family would eat in while traveling on vacation sometime during the foggy 70s.

Fiyta now makes a line of watches that are marketed as having met with some kind of blessing from the Chinese space agency. I've never seen one in person, but the current versions are supposedly halfway decent, on-par with a good Poljot or so. These are what the taikonauts are apparently wearing now. Bottomline: the recent versions aren't completely laughable. Which can't be said of the 2003 version...

It's a real shame that the 2003 version is such a tacky piece of unmitigated rubbish. After all, the "first" always has more fame, collectibility, and, for the maker, profit-making potential. Every WIS knows what the first watch on the Moon was, but who can name the second?

So by outfitting Yang Li Wei with a cheesy timepiece too nasty to be sold respectably in even the skeeviest flea market, let alone be seen in public wearing, Fiyta has proven they have the business insights of, well, a government-owned factory, when it comes to knowing what it takes to make a long-term watch brand. Bravo, Fiyta. You tossed tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue over the upcoming years into the mulcher.

The Fiyta Chronograph is therefore deemed worthy of inclusion in the Famous Watches list, not just for having been worn during a historic space journey, but for also representing one of the most moronic horological business decisions in a decade.

While I might consider owning or acquiring one of the recent versions, I'll never buy the junky 2003 edition, although apparently you can get them in Limited Edition collector's sets.

Pilotswatch has a good article that dissects the shockingly chintzy innards of the 2003 version.

Gack.

Hopefully I'll regain my appetite in time for brunch,

DD

Long Time No See - New Additions

2006-07-13T22:49:00.001-07:00

Alexei Leonov wearing his 70's Omega Flightmaster, back when the good ole USSR still existed. Surprisingly well dressed for a tool of the Breshnev-era Bolsheviks.

Okay, okay, I admit it. It's been donkey's years since I've written an entry. Besides being very busy at work, I kept meaning to make an entry for the 6139 I've acquired, but never seemed to get around to it due to not finding the time to take photos.

So I've decided to create a lower effort post, inspired in part by the June, 2006 issue of Watch Time, which featured an article on "Watches in Space." I highly recommend you pick up a copy and keep it for long term reference.

Based upon that article, I think the following warrant inclusion in the Famous Watches list. Some of the information is also based upon my own research that is separate from the "Watches in Space" article.

--Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

This isn't so much a new addition as a refinement/correction of a September, 2005 entry. Yes, a Navitimer was the first watch worn by an American in space by Scott Carpenter in May 24, 1962. However, it wasn't a "regular" Navitimer, but the Navitimer Cosmonaute version. The Cosmonaute has a 24-hour display, as contrasted with the 12-hour display in the more commonplace Navitimer.

--Omega Flightmaster

A cousin of the Speedmaster, the Flightmaster was worn by Alexei Leonov on the Apollo-Soyuz missions of the 1970s. And, suitable, it has a cool 70's retro look to it.

--Sinn Model 142 S

The first automatic watch in space, worn by Reinhard Furrer. This chronograph uses a Lemania Caliber 5100. Yes, amazingly enough, people weren't so sure automatic watches would work in a weightless environment. Guess they forgot about Newton's First Law. Then again, at first, people weren't so sure rockets would work in a vacuum without air, either.

--Fortis Official Cosmonaut Chronograph

Okay, according to this article, the regular chronograph was certified for cosmonauts first on numerous Russian missions, in collaboration the Rosaviacosmos, the Russian space agency. The B-42 version was certified for the International Space Station missions at a later date.

Interestingly enough, apparently only mechanical watches are rated for EVA ("space walk") activities. I'm guessing because the cold of space causes a quartz to stop working? If anyone knows for sure, definitely let me know.

DD

Lawrence of Arabia's Omega Chronograph

2005-10-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

On Monday I wrote to Omega asking if they could tell me more about T.E. Lawrence's (Lawrence of Arabia) Omega chronograph. Obviously, such a watch would be a prime candidate for the Famous Watches list if one could find, these days, a similar watch or one from the same series.

My question was forwarded from Omega Customer Service to the Omega Museum. This is the reply from Jean-Luc Miranda of the Omega Museum:

[BEGIN PASTE]

Dear Mr. Dennis,

Here is the full description of this famous time piece (#2885 in our Museum Inventory). This text is self-explanatory.

Lawrence of Arabia aviator chronograph-wristwatch, 1915: This watch of exceptional historical interest was worn by Thomas Edward Lawrence, British archaeologist, officer and writer, called Lawrence of Arabia (1888-1935). Animating a rebellion against Turkey from 1916 to 1918, he freed the Arabic Middle East countries. Caseback engraved with an "A" (Aviation) and the "Broad Arrow", symbols of the British army in which Lawrence firstly served in 1914, as an interpreter and second lieutenant, and a second time incognito upon his return from Arabia on August 30, 1922 under the name of John Hume Rossas, as a mechanic with the Royal Air Force. He enlisted a third time on February 23, 1923 changing his pseudonym to T. E. Shaw, which is why the guarantee slip dated April 18, 1933 (issued after a revision) included with this chronograph is made out in the name of T.E. Shaw and not in the name of the writer of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Calibre 18''' SO PB CHRO, enamel dial, 1/5-second minute track, hollow Arabic numerals with inner 13-24 in red small seconds at nine o'clock, 15-minute totalizer at 3 o'clock, blued steel Empire hands, lentil-shaped 925 sterling silver case with red gilt mono-pushbutton at 6 o'clock, caseback with hinge, Louis XV crown, curved loops, sewn "two leather straps" bracelet, silver buckle (ref. 568.18)

The serial number 4'428'513 shown on its movement identifies this chronograph wristwatch as ordered on September 23, 1915 by France or one of its colonies, while the serial number 4'789'732 on its caseback refers to a standard 17'''hunting type pocket watch ordered on September 1912 by the agent Joseph Sewill of Liverpool! The caseback interior was enlarged by hand in order to fit the case-middle size of the 18''' chronograph. Its dust-protective double back cover was eliminated to allow this replacement back, flatter than the original one, to snap when closing.

Consequently three corresponding riddles remain unsolved:

1. When, how and why this chronograph wristwatch supplied to France or one of its colonies reached the hands of a British army agent?

2. When, how and why was the original caseback replaced by one of another model?

3. When, how and why was it engraved not with the symbols of the Royal Air Force at that time (Initials AM for Air Ministry with a crown on top) but with those of the Royal Flying Corps established on April 13, 1912 and replaced by the RAF on April 1, 1918?

Thanks for your confidence in our products and best regards.

Jean-Luc Miranda

OMEGA Museum (Vintage Information)

[END PASTE]

In terms of hunting down related watches, it doesn't give me much more to go on (at least not to my amateurish skills), but it's certainly interesting reading in its own right. If I get my gumption up this weekend (and finish getting packed for London), I'll write Mssr Miranda with some follow-up questions.

Currently wearing a totally non-famous, 2005 Seiko Superior 5 in PVD, model SNZ443K1. Hey, I can't be absolutely fabuluous all the time and it's Friday. And it's a dang cool watch for the money.

DD

Current Mood: contemplative, cold finally fading

Astronaut Has Landed

2005-10-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

[photo courtesy of previous owner]

It's been a hectic week at work, what with still nursing the won't-die cold and getting things in order before my vacation to London.

But today the Astronaut I won on eBay arrived. It's in great shape, and very funky. At first I thought it was running slow, but it was probably just a case of me not being used to how to set it accurately given some of the eccentricities of its hacking mechanism. Basically, the little lever on the back has a tendency to nudge the watch hands if you're not too gentle when you push it back in. I've reset the time and it seems to be running accurately now. We'll find out in the morning for sure, as I plan to wear it to work tomorrow.

I'm pretty pleased with it, especially since not only is it just plain cool, but it fits my Famous Watches theme from many angles.

What to get next...

A good vintage Seiko 6139 that deservedly holds a place on the famous watch list?

Or should I try to win the Hamilton Odyssee 2001 watch for sale on eBay. No, it's not horologically significant, and it would be a stretch to make it fit in the famous category, but it is cool looking and rare. Okay, I could make an exception if it's cheap enough, but otherwise I should focus on my core theme.

Keeping an eye out for a good 6139, and maybe something exciting will be found in London...

DD

Current Mood: Farkin cold, still sniffly

Astronaut Won!

2005-10-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!

Just won an auction for a near mint 1969 Accutron Astronaut on eBay. Wish I could post pictures here [edit: since moving from LiveJournal to Blogspot, I can]. The price of $535 (plus $4 shipping) might have been at the higher end (although I've certainly seen higher), but it comes with the original box, hang tag, and strap, which add to the value.

Can't wait to see it in person. Hopefully it will arrive before Michiko and I head off on vacation to London on 10/10.

I'm also bidding on a 1969 Omega Speedmaster, but I'll doubt I'll win that, as they seem to be closing in the $1200 range, which is more than I bid.

Still nursing my cold, but otherwise feeling lucky.

DD

Current Mood: bouncy

Movado Oversize Museum Automatic

2005-09-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Even though I've admired their looks on others, I had never seriously considered a Movado Museum watch, finding them too small diameter for my wrist and too often in quartz, too.

But now, with a 42 mm diameter version of the Museum watch in automatic, I might be seriously tempted......especially with the display back. From the looks, it seems to be equipped with a Movado-branded ETA 2892.

You seem to be able to get these for $650 or less.

I'm not sure it meets the criteria for 'Famous', but it's certainly a Classic. Call it Almost Famous.

I'd consider purchasing one now, but I'd really like to get the Accutron Astronaut, a 1969-1972 Speedmaster, and perhaps a 6139 Seiko in my collection first. Plus, I don't wear dress watches very often, so it probably wouldn't get much wrist time.

But perhaps someday....

*le sigh*

*sniffle*

*sniff*

Current Mood: nursing my cold

The Accutron Astronaut

2005-09-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Scott Carpenter, Mercury astronaut, on the cover of "Paris Match" magazine in 1962, wearing his Accutron Astronaut. Studly, eh?

After the great suggestion to put the Accurton series of tuning-fork watches on the Famous Watches List, I decided to learn about more about Accutron, a watch line I'd known almost nothing about previously.

After scanning the various Accutron fan sites, I felt that Accutrons were even more deserving of Famous status than I had previously thought. While the Spaceview series isn't my particular aesthetic cup of tea, just about any of the 1960-1977 Accutrons deserve placement on the list for their unique movement that was, in many ways, the grandfather of the quartz watch, and a sort of hybrid bridge between the old mechanical world and the new transistor one.

And then we come to the Astronaut line. Wow. Aside from, IMO, being the coolest looking of the Accutrons, they also gain historical fame points in ways that are meaningful even to people who aren't horological wonks. For example:

-The Astronaut was the official watch of the pilots of the experimental X-15, the ancestor of technologies as diverse as the SR-71 Blackbird and the Space Shuttle. Neil Armstrong was once an X-15 pilot. The first winged vehicle in space, altitude record of the X-15 has only been surpassed by the Space Shuttle and the recent Spaceship One.

-Omar Bradley, of WWII fame, was head of the company during the glory days of NASA and lobbied to have Accutrons replace the Omega Speedmaster. He wasn't successful, but the Apollo 11 astronauts did place a number of Accutron movements on the Sea of Tranquility in 1969.

-Supposedly, the Accutrons went into a space a few times (need to verify this, but supposedly Explorer and early Apollo missions), although it was never the official timepiece like the Speedmaster. The astronauts must have brought them along as backup watches or for personal reasons. It's also unclear if these were Astronaut models or some other kinds, although the Astronaut would seem the logical choice given its larger dial and GMT function.

To cap it all off, I'm bidding on a near-mint 1969 Accutron Astronaut on eBay. We'll see if I get it!

DD

(sick icon because I have a nasty cold today)

Current Mood: sick

New additions from the Folks at PMWF

2005-09-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Early today I posted this new LJ over at the Poor Man's Watch Forum (PMWF, www.pmwf.com). In addition to the comments provided on the first entry here, there were a few more suggestions at PMWF itself. Thanks to watchstuff, Takesalickin', and Jimmy50 of PMWF for their suggestions.

Without further ado, the new additions are:

--Bulova Accutron:

World's first tuning fork watch, introduced in 1960. I need to do more research to find out the differences between models, but I guess for the time being the earlier the model, the better.

--Pulsar Limited Edition or Pulsar II:

The Limited Edition was introduced in 1972 as the world's first LED watch. Only 400 were made, in 18K gold. Shortly thereafter, and after a recall of much of the Limited Editions, Pulsar introduced the Pulsar II. Stainless Steel was also (thankfully) introduced with the Pulsar II. The Pulsar II was also featured in the Bond film "Live and Let Die". Lots of info at www.oldpulsars.com.

--Seiko 6139:

There is a bit of a controversy about who introduced the world's first automatic chronograph, but the Seiko 6139 calibre watches are usually tied for first. And while good condition models seem a bit hard to find, some can be found in fair condition for under $200. I'll need to do more research to find out if some specific models are more meaningful or 'better' than others.

DD

Charles Lindbergh

2005-09-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

On further investigation, it appears that Charles Lindbergh used a pocketwatch on his famous flight in the Spirit of St. Louis. Really, I should have predicted this. Duh.

So that takes Lindbergh off the historical event question list.

DD

First Entry - Historic and Famous Watches

2005-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sean Connery, as you know who, wearing his no-date Rolex Submariner, model 5508. In later appearances, he wears the Submariner with scuba gear and a black and grey NATO strap. Of course, 00-agents always carry spare watch straps with them...

Well, this is my first entry into LJ [edit -this was written before the migration from LiveJournal to Blogspot], so pardon me if I do something wrong or don't yet have the hang of it.

I decided to create a blog to write about watch-related topics, but, more specifically, the actual catalyst that finally got me to pull the trigger was the topic of historic and famous watches. Watch collecting can be such a broad hobby that it's helpful to impose a theme or some constraints in order to help focus both research efforts and provide a sense of financial prioritization for purchases.

While I enjoy collecting watches of many types, I thought the theme of historic and famous watches would be an interesting one around which to build a collection. Sadly, I have so far been unable to find a good list of famous watches - and thus here we are.

I'm going to bound my list of famous watches in a few more ways:

1. Candidates can be famous for participating in an important historical event, for being a notable 'first' in watch design, for advancing horological science in a meaningful way, or all of the above.

2. The watches need to be within (sane) financial means of most watch collectors, which, in my mind, imposes an upper limit of a few thousand dollars for the most expensive pieces. There are some horologically significant watches from the likes of Audemars-Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Daniel Roth, and the like, but I'm going to exclude these from this list on the grounds that they're not very attainable for most folks.

That being said, here is the first pass at a list, in no particular order:

--Breitling Navitimer:

Worn by Scott Carpenter, Mercury astronaut.

--Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonaut:

Some type of Fortis watch was apparently used by astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station, but I don't know yet which model. [edit - I've since learned that, supposedly, the model on the ISS is the B-42. Not confirmed yet. The Fortis Official Cosmonaut Chronograph lines are also authorized separately by Russia's space agency. Very confusing.]

--Hamilton Ventura:

World's first battery-powered watch. Now also available as a reissue, although I think the reissue is a regular quartz watch. Also worn in the 'Men in Black' movies, but I won't let that count against it.

--Omega Seamaster 300 M:

Worn by the post-1995, Pierce Brosnan James Bond. Normally I wouldn't count just a product placement, but a) Bond has such longevity and is so iconic that he's not just a movie or a book and b) in many movies the watch plays an important part due to some built-in gadgetry.

--Omega Speedmaster:

We all know why this one is important. However, there seems to be some debate about which calibre was actually first on the moon. There is strong speculation that Cal. 321 was actually first worn on the moon, first worn by Schirra in 1962. This makes an interesting case for collecting 'pre-Moon' Speedmasters. Cal. 861 was probably used on later missions on the moon, as well as on Skylab and Soyuz.

--Poljot Strella:

Worn by Alexy Leonov on the first walk in space in 1965. I've seen a few vintage ones on eBay. Poljot makes a few different re-issues of this, all of which use the Poljot 3133 calibre, which was not the one used by Leonov. From an external point of view, the cyrillic-dial watches bear the closest resemblance to what Leonov used in 1965.

--Poljot Shturmanskie:

NOT most of the current 'Yuri Gagarin' chronographs, which, while seeming to be pretty cool looking watches, and are allegedly pretty sturdy, don't bear much resemblance to what Gagarin actually wore as the first man in space in 1961. I'm still trying to find a consistent source for a modern re-issue that at least looks externally like what Gagarin wore, even if the internals are different.

--Rolex GMT Master:

Worn on Apollo 13 by Jack Swigert, in addition to his government issued Speedmaster. There is some debate about whether the GMT or the Speedmaster was used to time the critical engine burn that ended up saving the lives of the ill-fated Apollo 13. Note that this is not the GMT Master II, so vintage would probably be preferred. Also unknown is which bezel Swigert had - black, black and red, Pepsi colored, or what.

--Rolex Submariner:

Bond's other watch, used by Connery and Moore through the 60's and 70's. Vintage would be coolest. Although I suppose it might be more correct to refer to the Seamaster as Bond's other watch, given this one was first.

--Seiko Spring Drive:

The *what* you ask? Well, it's brand new for 2005, finally being released after 28 years of development. It's the first new watch movement technology in ages, and the first of the 21st century. Don't know the price yet, though, and can't seem to find it for sale anywhere yet.

So, that's a start. I'd love to have the list grow over time. Feel free to write with your suggestions or nominations.

Some other famous watches that would be interesting to know include:

What watch was worn when Hiroshima was bombed? Alternatively, what watch was Oppenheimer wearing when the bomb was first tested in White Sands, New Mexico?

What watch did Charles Lindberg wear on his flight across the Atlantic?

What watch was worn by the first Chinese 'taikonaut' in space?

What watch was JFK wearing when he was shot? Wait, maybe I don't want to wear that....

I'd love to expand the types of events covered by this list. Right now it seems pretty astro-heavy. If you've got other suggestoins, feel free to let me know or reply to this entry.

Time to eat lunch and play with my new Seiko Orange Monster!

Ciao,

David, the Watchnerd