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Lot Essay
This Breitling Special Edition watch was originally presented to Walter M. Schirra by the National Aviation Hall of Fame in recognition of Schirra’s contributions to space exploration and long-spanning career as an American naval officer, NASA engineer, and astronaut.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve and memorialize the outstanding accomplishments of those at the vanguard of aeronautical and astronautical pursuits. The Pioneers of Flight Homecoming event in Dayton, Ohio on July 19, 2003 honored Schirra alongside other trailblazers such as Buzz Aldrin and Neal Armstrong for their exemplary achievements in air and space aviation. Approximately 30 of these watches were manufactured and given to other astronaut pioneers and dignitaries.
The watch is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Schirra's daughter, Suzanne, as well as the original bracelet that Schirra clearly wore in a number of photographs.
The case back reads:
Walter M. Schirra, 100 Ans D'Aviation 1903-2003
A variation on the Montbrilliant Chronometre 1903 Limited Edition 100 Ans d'Aviation, this version has a Rolls Royce "RR" signature on the dial because of the company's history making aircraft engines.
Walter M. Schirra (March 12, 1923 - May 03, 2007)
A household name among American families in the 1960s, Astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra was one of the original seven astronauts sent into space as a part of Project Mercury, NASA’s first successful human spaceflight program in 1959. In addition to his role in the Mercury program, Schirra’s involvement in the Gemini, and Apollo programs would secure his place in astronautical history as the first person to travel to space thrice. His command of Apollo 7 was integral in reestablishing the American faith in space engineering after the losses of Apollo 1.
"I left Earth three times and found no other place to go. Please take care of Spaceship Earth."
- Wally Schirra
The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve and memorialize the outstanding accomplishments of those at the vanguard of aeronautical and astronautical pursuits. The Pioneers of Flight Homecoming event in Dayton, Ohio on July 19, 2003 honored Schirra alongside other trailblazers such as Buzz Aldrin and Neal Armstrong for their exemplary achievements in air and space aviation. Approximately 30 of these watches were manufactured and given to other astronaut pioneers and dignitaries.
The watch is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Schirra's daughter, Suzanne, as well as the original bracelet that Schirra clearly wore in a number of photographs.
The case back reads:
Walter M. Schirra, 100 Ans D'Aviation 1903-2003
A variation on the Montbrilliant Chronometre 1903 Limited Edition 100 Ans d'Aviation, this version has a Rolls Royce "RR" signature on the dial because of the company's history making aircraft engines.
Walter M. Schirra (March 12, 1923 - May 03, 2007)
A household name among American families in the 1960s, Astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra was one of the original seven astronauts sent into space as a part of Project Mercury, NASA’s first successful human spaceflight program in 1959. In addition to his role in the Mercury program, Schirra’s involvement in the Gemini, and Apollo programs would secure his place in astronautical history as the first person to travel to space thrice. His command of Apollo 7 was integral in reestablishing the American faith in space engineering after the losses of Apollo 1.
"I left Earth three times and found no other place to go. Please take care of Spaceship Earth."
- Wally Schirra