Originally Posted by
Wooster
Many thanks for all the suggestions! Looks like the Gemini and the Apollo-Soyuz are in pole position.
I just realised that one of the reasons for not getting along with the classic model is related to the hands - I generally need watch hands to be 'metallic', not painted in white.
Cheers,
Christian
The early Speedmasters had metallic hands and so you can blame NASA for the change. See their Statement of Specifications at this link for:
Readability – All disks, bands, and figures must be readable in various lighting conditions. The chronograph must be readable under both “red” and “white” lighting conditions to or beyond a 5 foot candle illumination intensity. Either a black face with white figures and numerals or black on white is satisfactory. The chronograph should not cause glare at the high illumination levels. A stainless steel case with a satin finish is preferred.