Watches and guitars, watches and cars, watches and Space Shuttles…
There’s no denying it — the river of nerdery is fed by myriad tributaries, and those who find themselves deep down one rabbit hole are often the denizens of other, similar refuges. In fact, it’s rare to find a watch guy who isn’t also a fan of the Porsche 911, the Fender Stratocaster, and at least one space-going vehicle.
At Analog:Shift, we’re mostly horological people, of course…mostly. But like our fellow connoisseurs, we’d be lying if we said we hadn’t seen The Right Stuff enough times to wear out the VHS tape, and we’d be kidding ourselves if we said we didn’t all want to be astronauts when we were kids. To that end, we’ve curated a selection of some of the coolest space-related accessories in our inventory. If you know someone who still dreams of Extra-Vehicular Activity, then boy, do we have some cool stuff to show you…
Moonshot 3-Piece Travel Tube ($125)
Moonshot 3-Piece Travel Tube - IN THE SHOP
For someone who needs to travel with more than just the watch on his or her wrist, this space-themed travel tube is the ultimate accessory. Made of soft pebbled leather and lined with scratch-resistant blue suede, it has room for three timepieces — plus a special hidden compartment to hold a strap-changing tool or extra strap. (Extra points if you use it to house three NASA-approved Speedmasters!)
Space Shuttle Desktop Model - Brass ($195)
Space Shuttle Desktop Model - Brass - IN THE SHOP
Running for 30 years, NASA’s Space Shuttle program carried some 355 astronauts into space to explore the cosmos. Though the program is long retired, this handsome brass desktop model — nose angled confidently skyward — is the perfect accessory for someone with fond memories of this intrepid American venture.
Moon Globe by Replogle Globes ($185)
Moon Globe by Replogle Globes - IN THE SHOP
Of all the space-related ephemera in our inventory, this amazing lunar globe by Replogle Globes might just be the coolest. Produced from aluminum, it not only depicts and maps the surface Moon, but also highlights manned lunar landing sites. Shipping with its included plastic display stand and original cardboard box, it’ll certainly spruce up an Earth-bound office.
Space Shuttle Bookends - Brass ($395)
Space Shuttle Bookends - Brass - IN THE SHOP
If a single Space Shuttle won’t do — how about two? These awesome brass bookends are meant to serve as handy containment vehicles for your library of books about — what else — space exploration! (Though they’ll do just fine retaining books about any other subject, for that matter.) For close students of the Space Race, there could scarcely be a better gift.
Space Shuttle Tie Bar by Swank ($115)
Space Shuttle Tie Bar by Swank - IN THE SHOP
If you’re the type to wear your NASA loyalty on your sleeve — or on your tie! — then this Space Shuttle tie bar is the perfect accessory. Made by American manufacturer Swank, it takes the form of a gold-tone bar with a small pewter Space Shuttle protruding from the end, looking as if it’s about to blast off. (It even comes with its original presentation box and price tag!)
'Space Shuttle White Sands 1982' Zippo Windproof Lighter ($175)
'Space Shuttle White Sand 1982' Zippo Windproof Lighter - IN THE SHOP
Even if you don’t smoke, you can’t deny the immeasurable cool of this special Zippo: Encrusted with an enamel depiction of the Space Shuttle on the front, it reads “Space Shuttle White Sands March 30th, 1982” in reference to the day and location of a successful Columbia touchdown. In fine condition considering its age, it would look just as neat sitting on a shelf as it would lighting a cigar.
Windproof Zippo 'Space Shuttle' Lighter ($215)
Windproof Zippo 'Space Shuttle' Lighter - IN THE SHOP
This Space Shuttle-themed lighter — likewise dating to the 1980s — celebrates the optimism and intrepid attitude that carried countless astronauts into space between 1981 and 2011. With a handsome yellow, blue, and black enamel Space Shuttle on its front, it makes an ideal gift for someone who remembers those heady times.
Sinn 140/42 Chronograph ($2,770)
Sinn 140/42 Chronograph - IN THE SHOP
Back in 1985, German astronaut Reinhard Furrer wore a black PVD version of the Sinn 140S during the Spacelab D1 mission aboard the Challenger — since then, this hardy German tool watch has been associated with the Space Shuttle program. And no wonder: With its on-board chronograph, day-date display, 24-hour scale, and elapsed-time bezel, it’s one of the most versatile watches ever designed.
Omega Speedmaster 'Ed White' ($24,770)
Omega Speedmaster 'Ed White' - IN THE SHOP
Though numerous Speedies are associated with the Space Age, the Reference 105.003-65 is among the most beloved. Worn by Ed White in 1965 during the first Extra Vehicular Activity performed by an American astronaut, this reference has passed into legend. (That it features a handsome ‘straight-lug’ case from Huguenin Frères and legendary Calibre 321 hand-wound movement certainly helps.)
