Landed straight on my wrist: hands-on Omega X-33 Marstimer experience

Do you believe in chance events? I honestly did not, and I'm at a puzzle what to think now, after what I went through just recently. But, before I tell you everything about that as the story develops, let me announce the main reason why I'm writing these lines: I have become the lucky and equally proud owner of Omega X-33!

Yes, the infamous Marstimer has landed on my wrist, out of the blue. Kinda just like it will on Mars one day, where it's destined to go, hopefully in the real future. Before this breakthrough all space exploration enthusiasts eagerly await to happen, allow me to share my very fresh hands-on experience with this stunning watch.

A stroke of luck, destiny, or a genuine chance event?

Or a divine intervention, and even a combo of all listed factors, here's a brief recreation of what happened and how I ended up coming home with the Omega X-33 Marstimer on my wrist, having an immediate hands-on experience. I was once again fortunate to be visiting Watches and Wonders 2026 in Geneva in April. Only this time, I can't really explain why I decided to fly back from Zurich instead of flying out of Geneva, something I always did whenever I came to this prestigious event. And it was the Omega airport store in Zurich where I got lucky!

VIP treat at the Zurich airport Omega store, a full package and top-notch refreshments on top of it.

The people running the shop are very hospitable, patient, and, above all, highly knowledgeable about Omega watches. We spent so much time sharing information about Omega's legendary watches, particularly the Moonwatch and the Marstimer that I almost missed my flight. Leaving the shop with the Marstimer on my wrist, instead of ending up on the waiting list, and with a broader understanding of Omega's rich history, is a one-of-a-kind experience! Now, straight to me time with Marstimer.

First impressions

Of course, being a long-time and genuine Omega geek, I know everything about the technical specifications of all their major watches, including the Marstimer. But nothing prepares you for the in-person experience. Of course, I immediately put it on my wrist, and there came the first surprise, the first on a list of positive ones that followed. My fears that its 45 × 48.5 × 14.9mm titanium case, weighing 112 grams, would be a tad too large and heavy for me were fully unjustified. When the first adrenaline rush of wearing a watch you coveted so long wore out, a time when you are not fully objective, the feeling remained, it landed perfectly!

Titanium on titanium, nothing comes more naturally for ultimate endurance and elegance. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer paired with a 20mm Riven-O2 Titanium Watch Strap

Rally-ready vibes meet timeless elegance. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer paired Q.R. 20mm Brown Leather Italian Handmade Racer Watch Band, Blue St.

Next, as expected, and now proven, the finish is impeccable, and the original bracelet is utterly comfortable. The plane's takeoff and landing took no toll on the pleasure of wearing the Omega X-33 Marstimer whatsoever. Not that I expected it, but it has happened with other brands' flagship models before. On the other hand, nothing less was expected from a watch designed to undertake a voyage to Mars, right?

Modern, yet elegant pairing is another thing Marstimer is capable of. Brown leather classic elegance straps look and feel great on it. The  M-1907 by HAVESTON Straps, inspired by the iconic double-punched US M-1907 rifle sling, proved to be a great choice for all semi-formal events.

During the flight, I had time to go through a resourceful manual that came with the watch. That's not what I normally do, since I rely on my intuition and vast experience with all kinds of watches, especially when the manuals are so thick. But the length of the flight kind of made me do it, to pass the time. And it's a good thing I did since there's no way on Earth that I would intuitively figure out how to use all the features the Marstimer provides. Naturally, the conditions of my regular flight were nowhere near the harsh conditions of the Mars mission it's intended for, still, the Marstimer passed the test with flying colors.

Design, purpose, and more

Of course, I'll never be able to use it for its designated purpose, walking on Mars. On the other hand, aside from Mars-specific tools, the Omega Speedmaster X-33 comes with a number of features that can be used on Earth, for example, the perpetual calendar complication and the solar compass. I tried the latter during my outing in the hilly area surrounding my hometown, and it worked like a charm.

Not only do classic-elegance brown straps fit the Omega X-33 naturally and effortlessly, but the Marstimer also pairs superbly well with modern-looking textured ones, such as the  FKM40 Quick Release Rubber Deployment Watch Strap. Perfect for all kinds of outings for the comfort and durability it provides.

What first struck me about its design was the combination of matte surfaces and a satin finish. Marstimer is a highly specific and revolutionary tool watch, but such finishing gives it a classy vibe, as well. When the stunning bezel, whose color resembles the redness of Mars, and the eclectic analog/digital dial are added to the design equation, the result is one of those watches you can take practically anywhere. That is, if you are open to experiments with straps of various styles, colors, and materials.

Natural-colored straps are also a great match for the Omega Marstimer, given its bezel color, matte surfaces, and satin finish. Here it is paired with the  AAF Earth-613 Strap by HAVESTON

The photos featured here showcase several varied matchups of the Omega X-33 Marstimer with straps that differ markedly in overall design and build, but this potent watch finds itself at home in all those pairings. As you may have already figured out from the previous hands-on experiences I shared, I prefer such chameleon-like models since they fit my outgoing style and rhythm of life and allow me to take them practically wherever I want and need. This goes for everything from formal gatherings to casual walks to getting together with friends for a drink or a social event like an exhibition or a movie.

Thanks to lugs construction, replacing a strap on a Marstimer takes just a couple of seconds. Featured here is the FKM39 White Deployment FKM Rubber Watch Strap, another great match for casual wear and modern styling.

The dial

The dial of the X-33 Marstimer is a special gem. I already mentioned that it combines analog and digital elements, giving it a futuristic look. However, given the design of the digits and the overall style of the digital display, it gives a vintage style, resembling the Quartz calculators from the eighties. Still, don't let that retro feel trick you; the Marstimer comes with very advanced and unique features, such as Mars Time Coordinated (MTC), Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), Phase Elapsed Time (PET), Mission Elapsed Time (MET), alarms, and a perpetual calendar, all made possible by the pristine operation of the OMEGA 5622 Quartz Calibre.

FKM41 White Quick Release Butterfly Deployment FKM Rubber Watch Band, 20mm is a great match for the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer, with its white dial, bezel markers, and hand details. A great pairing for casual style, too.

Thanks to ample layers of LumiBrite, the dial's readability is impeccable in all conditions. When I checked the time during our movie night, I felt that it lit half of the cinema. I still haven't had a chance to test its waterproofing, but the listed 30m is surely more than enough for me, and given that the Marstimer features a double caseback, there should be no worries for seasoned divers either.

To be continued

The time I have owned the Omega X-33  Marstimer has not been long enough to make any final conclusions. Still, I managed to develop an instant, strong bond with Marstimer based on its overall aesthetics, ultimate wearability, and vast potential for a wide range of strap combinations. It's safe to say that we have a future together, and that the adventures we're to live through are yet to come.

Written by S.K, images by Vienna. C and Toni