If you are into timepieces and outer space, we came across something interesting that involves both. The Omega Speedster is a watch used by a few of the first American astronauts on Apollo missions, which was a trend started by Edward Higgins White II. Ed White wore the piece on a spacewalk during the Gemini IV Mission, which is pictured above.

Omega says that they didn’t even know that astronauts were using the Speedmaster watch until they saw a picture of Ed White on the cover of Life Magazine wearing the piece over his space suit. You can see the original watch ahead, which was sold at an auction for $34,500.

PROJECTS has been celebrating architecture and design by bringing them into our daily lives through pieces like mailboxes, weather vanes, house numbers, bathroom accessories and timepieces.

Among their many creations, one of our favourites is the Reveal 33m pictured above. The timepiece was designed by Will Harris who says:

With Reveal, time is always in the present. This timekeeper reveals the current time through a looking glass while fading the past and the future. If you are a person of the present, this watch is made specifically for you.

You can buy the Reveal 33m through the PROJECTS online store for $110.

Just as interesting as the timepieces is the people behind them. More info on Will Harris ahead.

MoMA called Will-Harris “a computer graphics pioneer,” and his work “truly unique.”

Daniel Will-Harris is a computer graphics pioneer who literally wrote the book on computer typography, design and publishing in print and on the web.

He invented the EsperFonto system which created a new paradigm in typeface selection. He has designed award-winning books and book covers for major publishers, visual systems for the entertainment industry and identities for restaurants listed among the top 50 in the country.

He has written and edited seven best-selling books, as well as international design publications. He is currently at work writing and designing his second book of short stories, creating a cutting-edge clothing line called “Under Cover” and a series of of “souvenirs of imaginary places,” and acting in independent films.

Rolex is the quintessential luxury watch and for that reason many stray away towards less dominant timepieces. Rolex has done some interesting things lately making it that much harder to disregard them. They got our attention after a collaboration with Fragment and now we’re checking them again thanks to a custom line from Alejandro Alcocer.

“Alejandro Alcocer, a watch fanatic and design entrepreneur who has previously delved into skateboarding, catering and handbag design, followed the legend of a black watch supposedly released by Rolex in the late 1960s for the Royal British Army soldiers stationed in South Africa. It was thought that only 500 were made, but Rolex never confirmed their distribution and they became the holy grail of watch collecting.”

So Alcocer made 50 of his own through a chemical application and they’re now available at Barneys.

After doing some reading on Dunhill and their new creative director, Kim Jones, I noticed he was wearing this exceptional piece in a GQ photoshoot. The Key Watch was dug up from the Dunhill archives with some slight modifications from the 1937 original.

Details: The watch casing is made of sterling silver, but for the key portion, brass was used for strength so as not to break off in the lock. The timepiece movement is provided by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Timex has been an exceptional watch choice from a young age. You can grab a simple, classic, functionally designed watch for under a hundred dollars. A couple of years ago in celebration of their 50th anniversary, Timex re-released the Timex 80 model, which has been popping up at exceptional retailers  including Opening Ceremony, Liberty, Steven Allan and Barneys Co-op.

The initial tonal collection has spawned a series of remixed watches. Variations have included the Jumbo in collaboration with Opening Ceremony and a limited edition colourway by artist JK5. Most recently for Spring 2010, Timex releases the Rainbow Collection, which features the classic model in a few multi-colour options. Check out more choices of the Timex 80 ahead.

Jumbo in collaboration with Opening Ceremony.

AREAWARE is the answer to buying essential items for your place and being super excited about it. The brand/retailer lets you stalk up on clocks, bowls, plates, art and jewelery integrated with phenomenal design. After seeing a little preview at Odin, you’ll probably want to head over to the AREAWARE site to see their exceptional selection.

Highlight items include an LED clock made up of individual number cubes, a fruit bowl cast from ripe bananas and some wall vinyl made custom to order. Check out some more pieces ahead.

Panerai reintroduces the WWII-era Mare Nostrum for 2010. “The watch is a stunning tribute to original complete with the same monstrous stainless steel 52mm case and olive green canvas strap.”

With a price tag of $36,000 and a 52mm case, one presumes the watch is made for a big friendly giant with disposable income and a penchant for WWII history.

JAM HOME MADE & ready made have brought back our childhood in some grown up packaging. The classic Mickey Mouse watch where his arms tell you the time has been upgraded to a chronograph and it looks slick in black metal. It’s available now through rumors.

Fragment Design has teamed up with Rolex in a serious collaboration to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. They’ve come out with a few pieces, but this colourway is truly exceptional. It’s clean and simple with a little youthful touch that just makes it. Below is a similar piece with a red accent. The watch is limited to 10 pieces worldwide is now available at Sophnet for $17,000. You’re welcome.

Bell & Ross has been established as the watch for cool kids with a couple thousand dollars for their wrist. They’re Swiss made, French designed, and originally made by a German watchmaker in 1992. The military watch, has a simple aesthetic and aircraft inspired dials. The watchmakers recently launched a Limited Edition Watch Series with a surprisingly large list of options. Each Limited Edition piece from the campaign comes numbered and engraved to ensure you feel super special. Here’s a few of the standout pieces.