New Release: OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

The creators of the first watch worn on the moon have anticipated the next giant leap with a stylish new Speedmaster designed to measure every moment on planet Earth – and Mars. Made in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), OMEGA’s Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer is everything the name suggests.

Press release information with commentary in italics.

OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

Retail price of the OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer is priced at SGD 9,350 inclusive of GST.

Commentary

The X-33 series is as much a practical modern Speedmaster as it is an impractical one. We are not sure who needs to tell the what is the solar time on Mars. Raises quite some questions on timezones in Mars, etc.

However, we are not really hung up over this curious indication. While the main arguments against practicality are the usefulness of functions, this point is mostly moot when it comes to luxury timepieces. That said, with high end Quartz timepieces, one has to consistently remind oneself to monitor the battery life, battery conditions and replace batteries in a timely fashion. This comes at a risk of melting batteries, out of sync micro chips and other general issues from neglect. Since most watch collectors would have more than a handful of watches, it is not uncommon for part or most of their collection to go without wear for a long period of time. That’s mostly fine for mechanical timepieces, but it does get concerning with a high-end quartz timepiece.

Priced at more than SGD 9k, the new X-33 with its ESA collaboration shares the same price tag as the Moonwatch. It is undoubtedly lesser loved by mechanical watch fans, but does have its own novelty factor. However, considering the perceived value of quartz to mechanical Speedmasters, it might take a real Space fan to truly appreciate the X-33.

Press Release information

Providing power to the new Marstimer is OMEGA’s 5622 Calibre. A highly precise, thermo‑compensated, quartz movement, which handles the watch’s many digital and analogue functions with speed and efficiency.

The unique 45 mm chronograph, cased in grade 2 titanium, can track times and time zones, across our own world and on the mysterious red planet. Developed to assist scientists, OMEGA’s Marstimer offers a range of valuable tools for those working in the field of space research.

Its functions, developed under an ESA patented license, include 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. As well as an innovative solar compass, to find true north on planet Earth and Mars. Wearers also have access to those applications available on the traditional Speedmaster Skywalker X33, such as MET (Mission Elapsed Time), PET (Phase Elapsed Time), alarms and perpetual calendar.

In keeping with OMEGA’s take on professional watches, it also performs its 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 aluminium bezel ring in red hematite colour, reminiscent of Mars’ distinctive dust. This striking shade is also present on the seconds hand, which has a black to red hematite gradient, a design code to signal an OMEGA’s status as a professional instrument.

Turning the watch over reveals a caseback embossed in the centre with OMEGA’s famous Speedmaster wording and Seahorse logo. Circled by the words SPEEDMASTER X-33 MARSTIMER, ESA TESTED AND QUALIFIED. Testimony to the legitimacy of the partnership and integrity of the timepiece.

For President and CEO Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann, producing the Marstimer was a must for a brand with space travel in its bones. “Anyone interested in space, or even science fiction, is obsessed with Mars. 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.”

For those wishing to switch out the grade 2 and 5 titanium bracelet, the Marstimer also comes with a dedicated NATO strap and strap changing tool. 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.

Although a crewed mission to the red planet may still be years away, OMEGA’s new Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer is available now, at multiple locations across Earth. A must for professionals, space fans and passionate collectors, it’s stylish to wear, compelling to operate and makes a perfect companion piece to OMEGA’s Speedmaster Moonwatch.

Note: ESA is an intergovernmental organisation and is not involved in the manufacturing or commercialisation of the OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer.