During the Artemis II mission, the astronauts wore both an Omega Speedmaster X-33—a marvel of hybrid technology—and the iconic mechanical chronograph from the Apollo era. A choice driven by both aesthetics and technology, symbolizing the ultimate bridge between contemporary innovation and the prestigious legacy of space exploration.
One odyssey, two eras
The Artemis II mission has brought back into the spotlight an object once thought to be confined to the quiet display cases of collectors: the astronaut’s watch. According to The New York Post, each of the four crew members wore an Omega Speedmaster X-33, a hybrid timepiece combining analog and digital displays, designed for the far reaches of space. NASA has confirmed that this is standard issue, intended to accompany modern crewed flights.
But one detail particularly caught the attention of watch enthusiasts: astronaut Victor Glover also wore a mechanical Speedmaster Professional, a worthy heir to the Apollo legend. In a single flight, Artemis II thus managed to blend cutting-edge watchmaking with the romance of the past.
The X-33: More Than Just a Symbol
The Speedmaster X-33 does not seek to appeal through any sort of lunar nostalgia, even though its appearance evokes the glory days of the space race. Designed in the 1990s to meet the precise demands of flight crews, this watch features, according to the National Air and Space Museum, a fascinating combination of traditional hands and a digital display. A duality essential in extreme conditions, where simple electronics might fail.
Specialized watch publications, such as Fratello Watches, Gear Patrol, and Men’s Journal, note that this is a second-generation version. Housed in a Grade 2 titanium case and powered by a high-precision quartz movement, its design prioritizes absolute reliability over ostentation. Its affordability—around $7,000 for recent editions—is surprising, given the legend surrounding the Speedmaster name.
The Apollo chronograph’s return to favor
Perhaps most captivating is the presence, on Victor Glover’s wrist, of the mechanical Speedmaster Professional, which embodies a completely different kind of poetry. Certified by NASA as early as 1965, this watchmaking icon marked the rhythm of the Gemini and Apollo missions. Worn by Wally Schirra as early as 1962, it established itself over time as the official timepiece of the lunar adventure.
More than just a symbol of prestige, this chronograph became a true survival tool during the perilous Apollo 13 mission, allowing the astronauts to time vital maneuvers to the fraction of a second without draining the spacecraft’s energy reserves. In the vastness of space, the true beauty of a watch often lies in its unfailing utility.
The magnetic allure of lunar dust
Even today, the aura of the Apollo program continues to thrill prestigious auction houses. The Bulova prototype worn by Dave Scott during Apollo 15 sold for $1.5 million. Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master (Apollo 14) reached a record high of $2.1 million in 2014. Not to mention the Speedmaster that orbited the Moon during Apollo 17, which sold for $245,000 in 2015.
These staggering sums serve as a reminder that space watchmaking transcends mere engineering. It is woven with history and feats of achievement. Each mission adds an invaluable patina to these timepieces, whether they end their journey under the lights of a museum or in NASA’s archives.
The bridge between yesterday and tomorrow
While many explorers have carefully preserved their watches upon returning to Earth, many of them now rest in the collections of the National Air and Space Museum. But what distinguishes simple heritage value from the very essence of the object is this triple identity: the space watch is at once a cutting-edge tool, a personal trophy, and tangible proof of an epic journey.
By reviving this symbol, Artemis II proves that in next-generation space programs, founding myths still have their place. Sometimes, the magic lies simply in the movement of a hand, the glow of a screen, the brushed finish of titanium… and in that unbreakable connection between the Moon of yesterday and that of tomorrow.