OMEGA’S latest MARSive leap Of Faith - Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

In what is considered to be the fourth installment of the Speedmaster X-33, OMEGA shows us how deeply the culture of space travel is entrenched in their history. The Speedmaster series has had quite a run-in with space exploration, with a history stemming as far back as 1969. Fifty-three years ago, the famous collection from OMEGA was the preferred timepiece to accompany astronauts on their voyage to the moon.

That singular event birthed the OMEGA moon watch, a member of the famous duo of OMEGA watches (that also comprises the Skywalker) to have been in space. 5 Decades on from that famous event, OMEGA releases a fourth generation Speedmaster X-33, the Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer, a giant leap in the bid to not only conquer space but to lead the way In Man’s planned adventure to Mars!

Omega Speedmaster X 33 Marstimer, the first watch going to Mars

Brief History about its Ancestor- The Speedmaster X-33

Space travel as a whole has evolved in leaps and bounds, and so has the choice of watches of Astronauts going on space missions. While the original Speedmaster watch was famous for some of its features, such as its classic mechanical chronograph, it would be hard to see just how much functionality it would have in the present day.

The Speedmaster X-33 was launched in 1998 and was a multi-function analogue/digital quartz-powered watch. Forged solely out of titanium, it blazed a trail with some of its features, such as having multiple time zones, a rotating bezel, an alarm, a chronograph to mention a few. Fast-forward to 2006, it was discontinued, but it had made its mark by then.

Omega Speedmaster X 33 Marstimer compare the first Omega X 33 in 1998. Image Credit : Fratellowatches

In 2014, OMEGA teamed up with the European Space Agency (ESA) to usher in the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33. It was deemed fit to be used by professional pilots, but that was only after a series of tests such as vibration tests, temperature tests, and other tests in conditions that these pilots were bound to face while in the air.

The Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

The erudite duo of OMEGA and the European Space Agency has combined to bring this to life. Not to take anything away from the Biel-based brand, but OMEGA certainly needed to have this collaboration once again to pull this feat off. Bringing about a watch suited to a terrain that man is yet to conquer requires a lot of dexterity and inspiration.

While there is a high sense of innovation to this watch, OMEGA hasn't gotten rid of all of the specifications of the Skywalker in this watch. The majority of the specifications of its predecessor remain intact, but as you would expect, there have been subtle updates and changes made.

This watch is clearly a tool, and for that reason, functionality takes more priority than form or aesthetics. That makes sense, considering the fact that the Marstimer doesn’t look all that different from the Skywalker at first glance. Forged with grade 2 titanium, a 45mm x 14.7mm case, well-integrated pushers, and the same bracelet, OMEGA does well to keep the pioneering design running.

Speaking of pioneering design, we would like to make a detour to quickly mention a watch that has kept the flame spanning four generations burning still - the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Master Chronometer, designed for use on earth, this watch comes in a stainless five-row bracelet and also a one-sided deployant clasp with a polished OMEGA logo that helps continue the legacy of earlier moonwatch models.

The latest Omega Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.01.001 on
Black Suede watch strap is built to be used on earth

Omega Speedmaster looks captivating when paired with a
Grey suede watch strap

The master Chronometer also has a caliber 3861(The Marstimer’s own is caliber 5622) that features Omega’s Co-axial escapement, a feature introduced in 1999. This caliber helps to keep the 27mm in diameter and 6.87 mm in height intact in the watch as it was in earlier designs of the legendary Moonwatch. It is easier to get being that it is built to be used on earth, costs less than the Marstimer at price ranges of about USD 6300, and is also readily available at OMEGA approved boutiques and retailers.

The astonishing Omega Speedy best matching with the
Orange Leather Watch Band with Zermatt leather lining

Pairing with a classic Horween leather strap is one of the most
classy presentations of Omega Speedmaster

Alright back to the Marstimer, the subtle updates I mentioned earlier concern features such as the bezel. With an obvious MARS theme and a specific red haematite color, the elements resonate with things you will find on the Red planet. The seconds hand is also red, with the dial having an LCD Display, contrasting white markers, and flanked on both sides by the oxalic anodized aluminum bezel.

Omega Speedmaster X 33 Marstimer capable of displaying multiple Earth and Mars time zone formats, both the analog and digital displays glow brightly after dark

Lest we forget, this watch is built for use on MARS, so it's only normal it has a number of MARS-related functionalities. With this watch, you can track MARS solar day and find the true north on both planets using the solar compass the watch comes with. To switch times between both worlds, all you need do is to press down and hold the crown for three seconds; then you will see a symbol on the dial showing where it's Mars Time or Earth Time, with the former having a 39 minutes and 35 seconds gap in length to the timing on earth.

The Omega Caliber 5622

Omega saw that the erstwhile X-33 platform had technical limitations, so it was time for a change. Bringing features such as the solar compass on board was more than what the previous platform could handle, so they introduced the new caliber 5622. This new caliber has the entire previous caliber's functionality but amps it up with additional features.

Retaining the old, it contains all the functions from the previous X-33 Skywalker, but it's also in with the new bringing onboard the new Mars functions. It is also very precise, has an average deviation of 0.07 seconds per day at 23 degrees Celsius, and is equipped with over a hundred components.

The Look and Feel on the Wrist

To be honest, it's not the largest or the heaviest on the wrist. It comes with a dedicated NATO strap that can be substituted for the bracelet when need be, and the grade 2 titanium is lightweight, meaning you can rock your Marstimer with no hassle whatsoever.

On the wrist Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer with lightweight grade 2 titanium watch bracelet. Image Credit : Fratellowatches

Pricing and Availability

The watch comes in an elegant watch roll- a pouch designed with haematite stitching. The watch roll is a reproduction of Hebes chasma Canyon; The Marstimer is circled on its caseback with the words “SPEEDMASTER X-33 MARSTIMER, ESA TESTED AND QUALIFIED.”

The watch is currently priced at USD 6400 and is available for purchase at OMEGA-approved boutiques and retailers.

Watch Specifications

BRAND

• Omega

MODEL

• Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

REFERENCE

• 318.90.45.79.01.003

DIAL

• LCD with backlight function

CASE MATERIAL

• Titanium (Grade 2)

CASE DIMENSIONS

• Diameter: 45mm, Height: 14.7mm, Lug-width: 20mm, Lug-to-lug: 48mm

CRYSTAL

• Sapphire

CASE BACK

• Titanium, double case back for the alarm (volume)

MOVEMENT

• Caliber 5622 : Thermo-compensated quart. Battery life of 24 months, backlight display, 155 components

WATER RESISTANCE

• 30 meters / 3 ATM

WATCH STRAP

• Titanium bracelet (Grade 2 and Grade 5 for the in-between links and screws), folding clasp

FUNCTIONS

• UTC, Worldtimer, Alarm, Mars time, solar compass, Mission elapsed timer, chronograph, count-down chronograph, phase elapsed timer

PRICE

• USD 6400

External References

• Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
• Introducing: The New Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
• Introducing: The New Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
• Omega Unveils The Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer Watch