Developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer honours the fascinating Red Planet. The movement powering this timepiece is Omega’s quartz Calibre 5622, a precise, temperature-compensated movement which handles the watch’s many digital and analogue functions.
The unique 45mm 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, the 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 the brand’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 anodised 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 Maison’s watch status as a professional instrument.
For those wishing to switch out the grade 2 and 5 titanium bracelet, the Marstimer also comes with a dedicated NATO strap and strap-change 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.
An innovation by Norqain
After two years of close collaboration with Jean-Claude Biver and the best Swiss suppliers, Norqain has launched Wild One, a 100 percent Swiss made, ultra-robust and extremely light timepiece made from a new material, Norteq.
Jean-Claude Biver, a consultant on the board of directors of the watch company, is the driving force behind this avant-garde concept. He supported the team in this process of innovation and introduction of a revolutionary product. The result is a line of highperformance watches made from a new generation of materials and featuring an innovative construction.
The case comprises two separate upper and lower parts made of Norteq, a material developed by BIWI. They are connected and fixed with custom-made screws. Between these two parts is a rubber shock-absorber encasing a titanium container that houses the NN20/1 manufacture calibre. The rubber shock-absorber reliably performs its assigned task, even during the most extreme activities.
This unique case design surpasses industry standards for shock absorption, making the Wild One the ultimate high-performance sports watch. The robustness and shock-resistance of this model has been proven by rigorous laboratory tests, carried out at 5,000 g, which guarantee the safety of the watch during all kinds of sporting activities.
The Wild One collection is also water resistant to a depth of 200 metres. The case comprises of total of 25 components, including four screws engraved with a mountain peak motif. Each version weighs just 84 grams, making it 50 percent lighter than a stainless steel Norqain model.
Norteq is an ultra-light and ultra-impact resistant material (six times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium). This high-performance material has a captivating marble-streaked effect.
The composite contains carbon fibres, commonly used in the aerospace industry, and a high-performance polymer matrix with 60 percent biobased material (castor oil). It is non-magnetic and does not corrode over time. In addition, residues from the production process are 100 percent recycled. Norteq offers a perfect balance between density, elasticity and strength for optimal shock absorption.
Three models are currently available: Black-Khaki, Black and Blue and Burgundy and Grey. The fourth model in the Wild One range has been designed in collaboration with brand ambassador Dean Schneider.
Issued in a 500-piece limited edition, this timepiece incorporates a real fragment of Schneider’s life: the sand-coloured vegan rubber of the shock-absorber has been mixed with sand from the Hakuna Mipaka Oasis reserve in South Africa. The black dial is adorned with a motif reminiscent of a lion’s fur along with the spear and shield depicted on the sanctuary logo. This dynamic motif is also found on the black rubber strap, which is certified vegan.
A strong message about the relationship between humans and animals is engraved on the caseback: “We need to learn to love them exactly the way they are and not the way we wish them to be!” Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of these models will be donated to the Hakuna Mipaka Oasis Reserve.
Information courtesy of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry