The Omega Mars Watch: Speedmaster X-33

January 14, 2019

I remember Omega introducing the Speedmaster X-33 in 1998 with a digital display, it took me a while to start breathing again. Omega labeled this Speedy the ‘Mars watch, ready for the next landmark in space traveling. Sadly, Omega thought it was necessary to introduce a From Moon to Mars Speedmaster Professional as well, the fugliest* Speedmaster in my humble opinion.This is probably one of the Speedmaster models with the shortest production number ever, since the X-33 ‘Mark II was introduced shortly after, because some NASA or professional users of the watch complained about the high polished parts on the watch. The price of an Omega Speedmaster X-33 is increasing rapidly over the last few years, perhaps also because they seem to be all gone at the authorized Omega dealers by now. Also, Antiquorum s OmegaMania auction probably worked out nicely as well for the value of discontinued Speedmaster models like the X-33.A complete and boxed Speedmaster X-33 in (near) mint condition starts at 1.500,- eur / 2,000.- USD at Chrono24 and rapidly goes up to prices above 2.000,- eur / 2,750.- USD. The number of X-33 offers is quite low though.If you like the watch a lot and do not care about boxes, booklets and warranty cards, there is one for sale from a private seller in The Netherlands, asking 975 eur / 1.355,- USD for his X-33, first edition without box, papers and original bracelet / kevlar strap. I have to admit that the NATO strap he uses doesn t look bad at all, but probably would attach a GasGasBones velcro-strap. See picture below, and see the advertisement here. If you are not a registered user of the forum where it is on sale, contact me for the seller s contact details.More detailed information about the X-33 and its development history can be found here.*fugly/fugliest: I love this Hodinkee term ??