Yes—the Wittnauer 235T was a real contender in NASA’s 1965 watch trials, but it did not become the Moonwatch. Longines-Wittnauer submitted the 235T alongside the Omega Speedmaster 105.003 and Rolex 6238. NASA qualified the Speedmaster alone for manned spaceflight and spacewalks. The 235T is best described as a tested alternative that lost the qualification contest, not as a NASA-qualified or Moon-worn watch.
What was the Wittnauer 235T?
The 235T was a mid-century mechanical chronograph submitted by Longines-Wittnauer for NASA’s watch trials. Fratello describes it as powered by a Valjoux 72 movement, with a three-register layout. The model’s reported visual traits include a light, legible dial, tachymeter markings, applied luminous Arabic numerals, arrowhead-shaped hands, substantial pushers and a signed crown. Some examples have a dial marked simply “Wittnauer”; later examples reportedly add “Professional Chronograph.” These are identifying clues, not proof that every surviving watch retains its original parts or dial.
Do not confuse the 235T with the Wittnauer 242T. Fratello’s account of an Omega archive presentation identifies the 235T as the model Longines-Wittnauer submitted; the 242T was not the NASA-submitted reference. Fratello’s account of the Omega archive presentation covers that correction.
What happened in NASA’s watch trials?
Swatch Group’s 2025 retrospective says NASA put three submitted chronographs through 11 successive trials: Omega ST105.003, Longines-Wittnauer 235T and Rolex 6238. On March 1, 1965, the Omega Speedmaster alone received flight qualification for manned missions and extravehicular activities. Swatch Group describes the selection criteria as reliability, precision, legibility and ease of use, and says testers preferred the Speedmaster for its “superior precision, reliability, legibility and ease of use.” That wording comes from the company retrospective; it is not attributed there to a named NASA tester. Swatch Group’s 2025 retrospective provides the qualification account.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The retrospective lists demanding environmental and impact tests, including 70°C for 48 hours followed by 93°C for 30 minutes in a partial vacuum, as well as six 40 G shocks in six directions. Those are conditions reported for the trial program, not a complete account of every test result for each watch.
Why did the 235T lose?
Fratello reports, citing Omega archive material, that the 235T’s crystal warped and disengaged during a high-temperature test. The underlying NASA memorandum is not available in the sources cited here, so this specific failure should be attributed to Fratello’s account rather than treated as independently verified from NASA’s own test record. It also does not establish that this was the watch’s only failure. Fratello’s report on the 235T and the Speedmaster discusses the reported crystal failure.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How does the 235T compare with the winning Speedmaster?
| Watch | Trial status | Movement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longines-Wittnauer 235T | Submitted and tested, according to Swatch Group’s 2025 retrospective | Valjoux 72, according to Fratello’s watch coverage | Not qualified by NASA |
| Omega Speedmaster 105.003 (ST105.003) | Submitted and tested, according to Swatch Group’s 2025 retrospective | Omega caliber 321, Lemania-derived, as discussed in Fratello’s account | Only watch in this trial to receive NASA flight qualification, on March 1, 1965, according to Swatch Group |
| Rolex 6238 | Submitted and tested, according to Swatch Group’s 2025 retrospective | Valjoux 72, according to Fratello’s account | Not qualified by NASA |
The outcome is historical, not a present-day verdict on the quality or value of an individual vintage watch. The trial established which watch NASA qualified for its program; it does not show that every surviving 235T is inferior for ordinary use today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should a buyer check on a vintage 235T?
Dial text and visible features can help identify a 235T, but a watch’s appearance alone cannot confirm originality. Fratello notes collector considerations such as a signed crown and original bracelet. For a purchase, have a watchmaker experienced with vintage mechanical chronographs inspect the watch and assess its condition and originality. No current market price or listing availability is established here, so avoid treating old quoted prices as present-day valuations.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
