SpaceX has successfully launched the first-ever all-private orbital mission, Inspiration4. In a twist to the watch community, IWC, a watch company known more for it’s pilot’s watches is boldly venturing into space in collaboration with the Inspiration4 crew. It’s not clear if any Omega Speedmasters have been used as standard flight gear as normal, but with such a handsome and capable base watch in ceramic, any thought of ‘having’ to take a Speedmaster would surely be consigned to the overhead luggage.
This is much more than the up / down day trip of the Blue Horizon dildo, and therefore worthy of the focus IWC has put into these special editions, that are more than standard watches with engraved case backs and Velcro straps. IWC have shown a real commitment to the project and these look stunning.
Mission Values
To support Inspiration4, IWC Schaffhausen has designed and donated a series of unique, space-themed Pilot’s Watch Chronographs representing the mission’s values of Leadership, Hope, Generosity and Prosperity. The watches will be worn by the four crew members on their journey into space, before being auctioned as part of the mission’s aim to raise funds for and promote the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Meet the space watch
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Inspiration4” features a case made of stunning white ceramic. The unique color results from a complex manufacturing process in which zirconium oxide is mixed with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined ratio. With a Vickers rating second only to that of diamond, engineering ceramic ranks among the hardest substances on the planet. The dark blue lacquered dial has been padprinted with countless stars and captures the depth and darkness of space. It also features the Inspiration4 logo. Inside beats the IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber chronograph movement. On each of the four watches, the titanium case back has been engraved with the name and mission value represented by the respective crew member. The chronographs are fitted with an eyecatching white rubber strap with a leather inlay.
Meet the Crew
Named Inspiration4 in recognition of the diverse, four-person crew’s mission to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and send a humanitarian message of possibility, the multi-day journey to low-Earth orbit represents a new era for human spaceflight and exploration. The mission is the brainchild of Jared Isaacman, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and accomplished pilot who will also serve as Commander. The mission launched in September 2021 from the historical Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft will orbit the planet at an altitude of approximately 357 miles (575 kilometres) and a speed of more than 17,500 miles per hour (27,360 kph). After the multi-day journey, the crew will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for a soft water landing off the coast of Florida.
“Inspiration4 is the realization of a lifelong dream and on behalf of the crew, I want to thank IWC Schaffhausen for joining us aboard and supporting our mission to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®,” said Isaacman.
Everyday Heroes
At the heart of Inspiration4 is a unique and varied crew. Isaacman occupies the Leadership mission seat and serves as Commander. He is the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished commercial and military pilot who holds several aviation world records. The mission seat representing Hope was awarded to Hayley Arceneaux, a 29-year-old physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and a pediatric cancer survivor. Dr Sian Proctor, a 51-year-old entrepreneur and trained pilot, earned the mission seat representing Prosperity as the winning entrant in a business competition. Finally, the Generosity mission seat will be occupied by Christopher Sembroski. The 41-yearold aerospace industry employee and United States Air Force veteran contributed to a fundraising campaign that offered an Inspiration4 seat to one lucky donor.
No easy ride
The crew completed commercial astronaut training at SpaceX, focusing on orbital mechanics, operating in microgravity, zero gravity, and other forms of stress testing. In addition, they received emergency preparedness training, complete spacecraft ingress and egress exercises and take part in partial and full-mission simulations.
To learn more about Inspiration4 and how to support and follow this historic journey to space, visit www.Inspiration4.com and follow the mission on social media on Twitter (@inspiration4x), Facebook (@inspiration4mission), Instagram (@inspiration4) and YouTube (@Inspiration4) to receive the latest news on mission training, preparation and timing.
