Known to the world for creating the first watch to be worn on the Moon, Omega has taken another giant step with the creation of a new Speedmaster capable of keeping track of time on Earth and Mars: the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer.
Faithful to the Omega philosophy of professional watches, this new timepiece was created in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).
La cassa del nuovo Speedmaster Marstimer X-33
Crafted with a 45mm diameter grade 2 titanium case, this new Speedmaster is 14.7mm thick.
To complete the design of the case we find a sapphire crystal that protects the dial; Another element that characterizes this new watch is the luminescent bezel in anodized oxalic aluminum in a hematite red color, a reference to the characteristic dust of Mars.
By turning the watch over, you can see the caseback with the famous Speedmaster lettering and the Omega seahorse logo embossed in the center.
The text “SPEEDMASTER X-33 MARSTIMER, ESA TESTED AND QUALIFIED” always on the back, testifies to the legitimacy of the partnership with the European Space Agency and the integrity of the timepiece.
As for water resistance, this is guaranteed up to 30 meters deep. (Visit our guide to water resistance to understand what does it mean in practice)
The dial of the new Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
The black dial, enriched by an LCD display with backlight function, is the background to the various analog and digital displays made even clearer by the symbols of the Earth and Mars that allow you to distinguish which particular functions are in use.
On the outside of the dial you can see the luminescent white hour and minute markers marked by white hands.
Referring to the hematite red bezel, we find the seconds hand that has a great effect gradient with a gradation ranging from black to hematite red. At 3 o’clock the Omega logo is affixed with the iconic writing of the “Speedmaster Professional” model.
The functions
Designed to assist scientists, the Marstimer is a tool that can offer a range of directions for those working in space research.
This exclusive chronograph is able to keep track of the time and time zones, on our Earth and on the Red Planet.
Among the various functions, developed under a patent license granted by ESA, we find the MTC function which indicates the date and time at the prime meridian of the Martian Sun (taking into account that a day on Mars is 39 minutes longer than one day on Earth).
In addition to this first function, we find an innovative solar compass capable of accurately finding the north on planet Earth and Mars.
This model also offers the same indications available on the traditional Speedmaster X-33 Skywalker, such as MET (Mission Elapsed Time), PET (Phase Elapsed Time), alarms and perpetual calendar.
The movement of the Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
Powering the new Marstimer is the Omega 5622 caliber, a high-precision, thermo-compensated quartz movement that allows you to control numerous digital and analog functions of the watch quickly and efficiently.
Made using 155 components, the battery life of this movement is 24 months.
The words of Omega’s president and CEO about the new Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO of Omega, said that the production of the Marstimer was a must for a brand that has space travel in its blood.
He also added that: “For any space or science fiction enthusiast, Mars is an obsession. It has aroused so much curiosity and caused so many incredible stories to spring up. We even named its imaginary inhabitants. It is so close yet so far. We are eager to walk on its surface. I am thrilled with this new addition to the Speedmaster family ”.
Final take
Made with the aim of being worn on Mars, as an indispensable tool, a manned mission to the Red Planet may still be a long way off.
In any case, the new Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer is already available on Earth and, for the moment, you will have to be satisfied with wearing it on our planet with the possibility of always keeping under control the time of the red planet that has always fascinated the world. entire.
Price
Accompanied by a titanium bracelet (grade 2 and grade 5 for the intermediate links and screws), the watch has an additional NATO strap and a tool for changing the strap.
This new Speedmaster is also presented inside a special watch roll that features a reference to the red planet in its inner lining: a reproduction of Hebes Chasma, the unique canyon with steep walls on the surface of Mars.
The list price is € 7,200.
For more information about Omega’s world, I invite you to visit their website and our section dedicated to the Maison.
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