Citizen Promaster Hyper Aqualand Watch

Directly from the Personal Collection of Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin

BUZZ ALDRIN’S PERSONAL CITIZEN HYPER AQUALAND DIVE WATCH.

NASA’s Gemini Program included the first Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). The astronauts trained in zero G airplanes where they could experience weightless for 20-30 second episodes when the planes flew parabolas. It became apparent that this training wasn’t adequate when NASA found that astronauts had limited success performing useful tasks during the EVAs. Buzz Aldrin was one of the astronauts sent to work with Environmental Research Associates (ERA) to incorporate underwater training before his Gemini XII mission.

The training, combined with additional handholds and footholds on the spacecraft’s exterior, led to the most successful series of EVAs of the space program to date. Aldrin spent over five hours on his three EVAs and successfully demonstrated various tasks including using tools both outside the Gemini spacecraft and on the Agena to which they had rendezvoused.

Likely due to the success it brought him, diving later became one of Aldrin’s passions. The present watch made an impact on the diving community when it was first introduced in the mid-1980s as it was one of the first dive watch to contain an accurate electronic depth gauge. The Hyper Aqualand contains an electronic depth gauge, thermometer, water sensor and also contains warning functions. It was an instant classic and as evidenced by the wear, Aldrin made great use of his example.