Longines Weems

SpeedyPhill · Dec 28, 2022

A most amazing & interesting topic !
Don't forget the Longines-Wittnauer -Weems flown in space by NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong during Gemini VIII mission in March 1966!
(Photo: NASA)
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March 16, 1966, astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott were the crew of Gemini VIII, the 12th American manned spaceflight mission. Pictured on their way to the launchpad, David Scott wore a NASA-issued #08 Omega Speedmaster 105.003 at his left wrist while Armstrong had chosen to wear an extra wristwatch besides his NASA Omega Speedmaster chronograph.
Note at Armstrong’s right forearm the big crown Longines-Wittnauer Weems aviator wrist watch with striking big numbers dial as worn by James “Jimmie” Mattern (1905-1988), Armstrong’s childhood aviation hero.
Three years later during Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong also carried a flight logbook owned by James Mattern onboard lunar lander "Eagle" !
#MoonwatchUniverse 👍

w154 · Dec 28, 2022

Are you sure that’s a full size weems ? The case size seems way too small when using the speedy as a reference. Also the case seems to have a slight tonneau shape.

SpeedyPhill · Dec 28, 2022

@w154
Interesting remark, let me check out some more photographs of the Gemini VIII mission
Cut out of the Weems at best resolution
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w154 · Dec 28, 2022

Scaling as best as I can from the photos, I’d estimate the case of the Longines is around 33mm. I’ve assumed the velcro strap is the same as the one they used on the speedies, as I can’t imagine they’d make a new strap even if the lug width was different. I think he’d have just forced it through. So could it be something like this ?

The “problem” is I can’t see any evidence of those vertical minute/second markers on the outside edge of the bezel in your pics… maybe a proper Weems expert can have a better stab at guessing.

SpeedyPhill · Dec 28, 2022

Rechecked my files:
The large crown aviator watch of James Mattern, space-flown on the righthand wrist of Neil Armstrong during the Gemini VIII mission, is in the custody of "The Frontiers of Flight Museum" located in Dallas, Texas - USA.
Edit: video added... although the watch in this video was not the watch worn on Gemini VIII

Waltesefalcon · Dec 28, 2022

@Seiji as always I am in awe of your Weems collection!

SpeedyPhill · Dec 29, 2022

Seiji
@SpeedyPhill
My opinion is that the watch is not 47mm weems. It is also not likely a 33mm Lindbergh either since the Numbered Indexes are too close to the bullseye. There would be some white space where the angles are written. You should delete the first image immediately before the search engines pick it up an propagate bad information. Someone will use the image without checking into it.

O.K. I have replaced the image by the original with an outcrop of the actual Weems on Armstrong's forearm.
The case looks like the watch described in the video, with a centre circled dial as in the big crown versions 👎
Unfortunately no better Gemini VIII photos but I'm still searching for splash-down-recovery onboard USS Mason images
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SpeedyPhill · Dec 30, 2022

Indeed, certainly looks like big numerals on the Armstrong Gemini VIII worn Weems aviator watch !
And those lugs also look correct ! 👍

Omegafanman · Jan 11, 2023

I missed this thread over the hectic Xmas period.
Really good info and beautiful watches as well.
If is funny how often I google something and end up linking back to an old OF thread. A real mine of information created here over the years for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

asloper6001 · Jan 21, 2023

Wow those are cool. How has the bezel crown been over the years? Pretty reliable to a degree or some hits and miss here and there minus natural aging problems (amateur in vintage per say). Just wondering since Mr. Weems created it if any major flaws from a design standpoint?

asloper6001 · Jan 21, 2023

Interesting! Thanks for your knowledge.

SpeedyPhill · Sep 8, 2024

With the midsize range Weems, not even sure this was a Longines...
All inputs welcomed !
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Redwes25 · Apr 9, 2025

Was digging through some of my Dad’s old family stuff and found an old Barnum and Bailey circus magazine that he had. Had this cool’s advertisement for a Weems that the circus used so snapped a picture of it. This thread seemed the best thread to share for record. Magazine was from 1943.

SpeedyPhill · Apr 10, 2025

Last call on the big crown Longines-Weems (?) aviator watch worn by NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong during Gemini VIII in March 1966.
This aviator watch belonged to Armstrong's childhood hero James Jimmie Mattern and after contacting the Mattern association, it looks like the whereabouts of this aviation wrist watch are currently unknown... Definitively a copper/gold inner dial with white/cream edge.
(Photos: NASA)
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w154 · Apr 10, 2025

OK, is there a possibility this is an Annapolis Weems ? Certainly Neil Armstrong had a connection with the academy there, although I’m not sure if the time lines work. @Lépine could perhaps comment.

Waltesefalcon · Apr 10, 2025

I don't think it is an Annapolis Weems. The watch in the photo definitely looks to be approximately the same size as the Speedmaster, it also looks very much like a large Weems. I don't think it is a 31mm watch. Looking at Phil's picture where both watches are directly facing the camera. In my mind there is little doubt that it is a large Weems, or perhaps an Hour Angle.

SpeedyPhill · Apr 10, 2025

@Waltesefalcon
@w154 was closest with his photo of the 33 mm Longines with double colored dial as the James Mattern's watch was smaller than a Speedmaster !!!
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Waltesefalcon · Apr 10, 2025

Oh, was Mattern's watch a baby Lindy?

Lépine · Apr 21, 2025

Waltesefalcon
Oh, was Mattern's watch a baby Lindy?

Yes I agree it was more likely a baby Lindbergh based on the bullseye and the size. Definitely not the large weems or Annapolis.

SpeedyPhill · Apr 23, 2025

Nice touch... I see aviator James Mattern & astronaut Neil Armstrong in this " Museum Of Flight - Seattle Washington state " pinback !
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