Back in 2019, I flew off to D.C. to attend a National’s game. While in our Nation’s Capital, I visited the usual places — The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Lincoln Memorial, The National Mall…and of course the Smithsonian. There, among the thousands of historical exhibits, one stood out — the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module). This had always been my favorite spacecraft…and I was then able to see it in person!

So when I saw Marc at Long Island show his new Bethpage line in honor of the LEM, I had to have one!

On the clasp of this new beauty of mine, sits engraved a representation of the LEM as it must have looked, all dusted up from its tumultuous descent onto the Lunar surface.

On the dial sits an AM/PM sub dial (because how else would you know if it’s day or night in space?), a 60 second subdial, and a 60 minute subdial. The chronograph complication is complete with split time capability. The bezel is a sapphire-protected 24 hour complication, because I’ve never met an Airforce/Spaceforce person who doesn’t use military time.

At the center of any good watch is its beating heart. In the Bethpage, a gold tone, 5 jewel movement (that is USA assembled) drives the whole operation with absolute precision.

The Bethpage’s case is beautifully-angular, and is adorned front and back with Sapphire protection. It also has a heft reminiscent of the Space Program and weighs in at 152 grams (with four links removed to fit my 7.25” wrist). The bracelet is solid link and uses screws that makes sizing a breeze. Plus, there are three micro adjusts for the more fiddly wrists out there.

The model comes in three colorways. I felt the brushed silver dial was the one for me, and I am thrilled with my purchase! This is my 2nd Islander, and the quality/value for money rings true in both of my watches.

I look forward to a long relationship with this watch that honors the coolest space craft ever to come out of the Grumman factory in Bethpage, New York.