Tudor’s Splashdown story…
...and the Subs that kept it on time!
In 2019, I shared the fascinating and previously unknown key role that the United States Pararescue (PJ) team played in the Gemini 8 recovery mission, and how their Tudor Submariner 7928 watches were integral to the success of the operation.
Gemini 8 module with US Navy team
Charles Lear's Pararescue Service issued Tudor 7928
Now, Tudor has once again brought this fascinating story to life with the release of their documentary, Splashdown: The U.S. Navy’s Daring Role in the Moon Missions. This film highlights the largely untold history of the Navy SEALs and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) in the Apollo space programme, especially their critical involvement in the recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts.
The documentary captures the behind-the-scenes moments of this significant event. On the decommissioned USS Hornet, a team of UDT frogmen, many fresh from the jungles of Vietnam, stood ready to recover astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins after their historic Moon landing. With the world watching, an estimated 500 million people, there was immense pressure to get it right. As John McLachlin, a former UDT member who took part in the Apollo recovery mission, recalls, “We didn’t want to screw up because the world’s watching.”
The film sheds light on how these elite frogmen, equipped with Tudor Submariner 7928 watches, were tasked with recovering the astronauts’ capsule, Columbia, which had landed upside down in the ocean. The operation involved securing the capsule with flotation collars, rescuing the astronauts, and ensuring their safe transfer to the USS Hornet. This high-stakes operation showcased the capability, precision, and adaptability of the UDT/SEAL teams at the height of the space race.
Just like the Apollo 11 mission itself, the recovery was a monumental achievement, and the Tudor Submariner 7928 played a role in keeping everything running on time. These military-issued watches were essential tools for the frogmen, used for timing operations, dive times, and decompression stops, while also withstanding the harshest conditions.
The film also highlights the lasting legacy of the Tudor Submariner 7928 in the military. Much like the French Navy, the marine Nationale, The US Navy ordered Tudor Submariners for its divers as far back as the mid to late 1950s. In fcat, several so-called Big Crown reference 7924 Subs that were issued to US divers have appeared on the market in recent years.
For the UDT swimmers, these watches were not just accessories; they were tools of the trade (where the phrase tool watch comes from). Tudor’s documentary focuses on the watches worn during the Apollo 11 recovery and sheds light on their importance, much like how they were critical during the UDT’s work in Southeast Asia. The Submariner’s robustness and reliability were essential for operations in both the aquatic environment of the ocean and humid depths of the jungle.
Splashdown, goes beyond being a marketing campaign, however. It’s a truly authentic tribute to the men who performed the recovery operation and to the watch that helped them succeed. Through interviews and personal stories, the film honours the legacy of these unsung heroes, ensuring their story lives on for future generations.
This documentary is part of Tudor’s ongoing effort to highlight its rich history and connection to military operations. It’s a perfect example of how the brand continues to honour the past and showcase the reliability and legacy of its timepieces. For modern Tudor fans, it can only be a good thing that the true essence of the Black Bay and Pelagos are shared through stories such as this.
