Space-time continuum

Precision watches made for astronauts just ain't what they used to be.

The Omega Speedmaster model that Neil Armstrong wore when he walked on the moon on July 21, 1969, costs about $20,000 today. Omega calls it the Moon Watch.

The Swiss-made Fortis Cosmonauts Chronograph series, used in 1997 aboard the now-destroyed Russian space station Mir, retails for around $15,000.

Colonel Yang Liwei, who arrived in Hong Kong yesterday, circled Earth 14 times wearing a stainless steel Fiyta. Place of manufacture? Shenzhen. Cost? It's $4,000, but less if you bargain hard.

Oh, and before Colonel Yang's flight the list price was $2,000.

The colonel's watch, unfortunately, is on display in Beijing and won't be coming to town.