#105003-63

[moonwatchuniverse]

1965, June 1, Gemini IV rookie astronauts Edward “Ed” White and James “Jim” McDivitt listened to results of their medical checkup, two days before launch. Both astronauts wore a NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster 105.003 chronograph, McDivitt on a khaki velcro strap and White on a steel mesh JB Champion  bracelet. That same day, after 4 months of rigorously testing 3 watch brands, NASA’s Gemini & Flight support procurement office adopted the Omega Speedmaster as its official flight-qualified time piece, which became known as the “Moonwatch” in July 1969. (Photo: NASA)

[moonwatchuniverse]

June 3, 1965 Gemini IV pilot Edward White talking with astronaut Alan Shepard (wearing an Accutron Astronaut GMT pilot watch) and suit technician Joseph Schmitt who put something in White left knee pocket of the Gemini 4C spacesuit. Note White’s Goldvisor was not yet clipped onto the helmet. Photo taken in the suit-up trailer near launchpad 16 at Cape Canaveral. Astronaut Edward White wore 2 NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster 105.003 chronographs on black-khaki velcro straps. His wrist Speedmaster showed approximately 09:44 while this photo was taken at 06:44 EST ... the other forearm Speedmaster differed one hour ! (Photo: NASA)