Marstimer, which was unveiled recently, is the latest addition to the Omegas Speedmaster series that has been long association with space exploration. In the future, this watch could become a key component for astronauts headed to the Red Planet due to the difference in daytime and night times on the two planets. While a day is 24 hours long on Earth, it is 25 hours on Mars.
Here are a few unique features of the watch:
- Marstimer will be the first watch to display the time on Earth and Mars together
- It can find the true north on Earth and Mars without using a magnetic compass.
- It can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure exerted during space travel and atmospheric entry into another planet.
- Also, it can withstand extremes of the vacuum of space, vibrations, stresses of launch, radiation, and the harsh conditions of other worlds.
- The watch face is a combination of analogue and digital model
A release by ESA and Omega reads, "The Marstimer watch, developed with the same spirit that sent the first humans to space, builds on that heritage and looks forward to a new era of space exploration."
Specifications of the watch:
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. Providing the power is OMEGA’s 5622 Calibre, the official website says
For those wishing to switch out the grade 2 and 5 titanium bracelet, the Marstimer also comes with a dedicated NATO strap. This is 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, it adds
The watch includes features from the previous ESA-Omega collaboration on X-33 Skywalker that used ideas from ESA astronaut Jean-Franois Clervoy.
Previously, Gemini and Apollo-era astronauts have worn watched designed by the Swiss company. They are also modern-day astronauts on the International Space Station.
