Omega Speedmaster X-33 Chosen for Artemis II Moon Mission

The iconic Moonwatch is passed over for the lesser-known, but space-proven, Speedmaster X-33 Second Generation

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:56am

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An abstract, highly structured painting in soft, flat colors depicting the intricate interplay of analog and digital timekeeping technologies, conveying the structural order of the universe without using any text or symbols.The Omega Speedmaster X-33's selection for the Artemis II mission signals a new era in space-bound timekeeping, as specialized watches evolve to meet the demands of modern space exploration.Kansas City Today

In a surprising twist, the astronauts of the Artemis II mission have opted to wear the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Second Generation, rather than the famous Speedmaster Professional 'Moonwatch'. This advanced quartz-powered model, which has not been publicly available for two decades, was previously used exclusively by NASA. The decision highlights the evolving needs of space exploration and the enduring appeal of the X-33 among astronauts.

Why it matters

The selection of the X-33 over the classic Moonwatch raises intriguing questions about the future of space-bound timekeeping. While the Speedmaster Professional remains the only watch qualified for extravehicular activity (EVA), the X-33's approval for spaceflight missions suggests a shift in NASA's priorities and the ongoing evolution of specialized timepieces for space exploration.

The details

The Speedmaster X-33, introduced in 1998, was a significant departure from the mechanical Speedmaster Professional. Featuring an advanced quartz calibre, analog-digital display, and practical functions like a perpetual calendar and multiple time zones, the X-33 was designed to meet the needs of modern astronauts. Despite being discontinued for public sale in 2006, Omega continued producing the X-33 exclusively for NASA, ensuring its availability for space missions. The Artemis II crew's preference for the Second Generation model over the newer X-33 Skywalker suggests the enduring appeal of the original design among astronauts.

  • The Speedmaster X-33 was introduced in 1998.
  • The X-33 was discontinued for public sale in 2006, but Omega continued producing it exclusively for NASA.
  • The Artemis II mission is scheduled to take place in 2028.

The players

Omega

A Swiss luxury watchmaking company and the manufacturer of the Speedmaster line of watches, including the iconic Moonwatch and the Speedmaster X-33.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, including the Artemis missions to the Moon.

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What they’re saying

“The X-33's journey from prototype to astronaut favorite is a testament to its evolution. As we look to the future, I predict we'll see even more advanced, mission-specific watches, each designed to meet the unique demands of space exploration.”

— Kimberely Baumbach, Author

What’s next

As the Artemis IV mission in 2028 approaches, the question of which watch will accompany the astronauts to the lunar surface remains open. While the classic Speedmaster Professional is the only watch currently qualified for EVA, NASA's approval of the X-33 or another model before the mission could change this. The space watch industry will eagerly await the next chapter in the story of space-bound timekeeping.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission's selection of the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Second Generation highlights the dynamic nature of space-ready timepieces. While the iconic Moonwatch holds a special place in history, the X-33's enduring appeal and the potential for future innovations suggest that the story of space watches is far from over. As space exploration continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more specialized, mission-specific watches designed to meet the unique demands of the final frontier.