OMEGA’s Latest Space Watch Tracks Rhythms of Earth and Mars

The makers of the first watch worn on the moon look to the future with the new OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer.

Photo Credit: OMEGA

OMEGA’s Speedmaster X- 33 Marstimer is made in partnership with the European Space Association (ESA), and is powered by the luxury brand’s 5622 caliber. This is a highly precise, thermo-compensated, quartz movement, which handles the watch’s many digital and analogue functions with speed and efficiency.

The watch was developed to assist scientists and offers a range of tools for those working in the field of space research. The 45mm chronograph is cased in grade 2 titanium and can track time zones both on Earth and the mysterious red planet. Its functions were developed under an ESA patented license. One of these functions is an MTC function to track Mars’ sol date and time at the prime meridian, allowing for the fact that a day on Mars is 39 minutes longer than on Earth. The Marstimer is also equipped with a solar compass, allowing its wearer to find true north on Earth and Mars.

Photo Credit: OMEGA

Because it is an OMEGA, the Marstimer was designed to perform tasks in style. Its classic black dial provides a contrasting backdrop for the multiple analogue and digital readings, made even clearer by Earth and Mars symbols to distinguish which particular functions are in use. Circling the dial is an oxalic anodized aluminum bezel ring in red hematite color, reminiscent of Mars’ distinctive dust. The eye-catching color is also seen on the second hand.

“Anyone interested in space, or even science fiction, is obsessed with Mars,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. “It has generated so much curiosity, so many incredible stories. We have even created a name for its imaginary inhabitants. It’s so close yet so far. We long to walk across its surface. To be here on Earth and able to track its movements, gives the term timepiece a whole new meaning. I’m thrilled with this new addition to the famous Speedmaster family.”

Photo Credit: OMEGA

The Marstimer also comes with a dedicated NATO strap and strap changing tool for wearers wishing to switch out of the titanium bracelet. These are included in the special watch roll, which has a nod to the red planet on its inner lining: a reproduction of Hebes Chasma, a unique steep-sided canyon on the surface of Mars.