The watch from the Heerlen jeweller that astronaut André Kuipers wore in space has come through the journey well. A confirmation of the quality of the Shock-System®.
The watch from our Heerlen jeweller that astronaut André Kuipers wore in space has come through the journey well. This news was confirmed in July 2012 after André Kuipers' successful return from his mission to the International Space Station.
Roland Oostwegel, the goldsmith who made the timepiece, is particularly pleased with the result. The jeweller had already been making special shock-resistant watches for some time and got in touch with Kuipers to carry out the ultimate test for the movement together: a journey into space.
The mission counter
Especially for Kuipers, Oostwegel made a 'mission counter', allowing the astronaut to see exactly how long his space journey had lasted. It was a feature that proved essential for time management during the mission aboard the ISS.
Oostwegel is especially glad that the watch withstands the enormous forces released during launch and landing. The patented Shock-System® can handle the vibrations, according to the jeweller. This proof of durability under extreme conditions formed an important confirmation of the quality and innovation of R.O. Watches.
Want to know more about the full journey of the R.O. Space to the ISS? Also read our in-depth story "The First Dutch Watch in Space".