Watch spotting: A closer look at the watches of the Artemis II mission crew

On 1 April 2026, four NASA astronauts embarked on the Artemis II mission around the moon, donning some serious timepieces for their mission. Time is a critical measure for the success of their concluding 10-day mission, so they’re wearing heavy-hitter tool watches. We will take a closer look at the watches of the Artemis II mission crew and their unique stories and design for space.

With the aim of charting a new course around the moon, this expedition marks the first low Earth orbit mission since 1972. The crew features NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Their official portraits and launch photos took the internet by storm, with many space-enthusiasts wishing them well for their mission.

 

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Meanwhile, eagle-eyed watch lovers noticed a few heavy-duty tool watches, fit for a historic trip to space. Omega was the main watch brand of the Artemis II mission, continuing its longstanding history with NASA that began with the iconic Speedmaster series. Additionally, Breitling was also the personal choice of Mission Commander Wiseman. Particularly the ‘tooltastic’ Edurance Pro and Cosmonaute, the latter itself having a history with space travel.

Curious to know more about these space-ready timepieces? Read on to find out the stories behind the watches of the Artemis II mission crew members.

The watches worn by the crew of the Artemis II mission

Omega Speedmaster X-33

All four members of the crew were given the Omega Speedmaster X-33 as their primary timepiece. First released in 1998, the X-33 was designed for astronauts with its advanced quartz-calibre. The watch can show three time zones, has three alarms, a chronograph, a countdown timer and a display to show mission and phase elapsed time. The X-33 was built to be a reliable tool for astronauts in space, which made it the ultimate ‘spacehead’ Speedmaster’s dream watch.

Luckily, the watch was sold to the public from 1998 to 2006 when it was discontinued. Used ones are very rare but do appear on reliable second-hand websites for a hefty price tag. In 2014, the X-33 was relaunched as the ‘Skywalker’, marking the watch’s third generation. The ‘Skywalker’ saw massive upgrades like a new calibre 5169 movement, a titanium case at a chunky 45mm.

The X-33’s worn by the crew don’t ressemble it’s latest fourth generation, but it’s safe to say their watches feature the 5622 calibre movement. This was a movement that was tested by the European Space Agency (ESA) to withstand high gravitational forces. This is why it was handed out to all ESA astronauts on missions after 2022, featuring the ESA Tested and Qualified engraving. Perfect for an astronaut in space and completely overkill for a desk diving watch-enthusiast.

Buy the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer here.

Breitling Endurance Pro

Seen on the wrist of Mission Commander Wiseman, the Breitling Endurance Pro is just as tough as its companion watch. While not originally conceived exclusively for space, its inclusion among astronaut gear reflects the evolving demands placed on crew members, who must balance peak physical fitness with technical expertise.

The Endurance Pro is constructed from Breitlight®, a proprietary material significantly lighter than titanium and stainless steel, yet remarkably durable. Its non-magnetic and thermally stable properties make it suitable for environments where conventional materials may falter. The tactile warmth and textured finish further enhance usability in extreme conditions.

Powered by Breitling’s COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ movement, the watch delivers exceptional precision, a non-negotiable attribute in any aerospace context. Its chronograph functionality, combined with ergonomic design and legibility, makes it an effective companion during both training regimens and operational deployment.

Buy the Breitling Endurance Pro here.

Breitling BO2 Chronograph Cosmonaute

Another alleged personal timepiece of Commander Wiseman, the Cosmonaute is another timepiece whose story interconnects with space travel. Breitling, within the Artemis II is inseparable from its historical milestone in 1962, when astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a custom Navitimer Cosmonaute aboard the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. This singular timepiece introduced a crucial innovation: the 24-hour dial.

In low Earth orbit, where sunrise and sunset occur approximately every 90 minutes, traditional 12-hour displays become disorienting. Carpenter’s request for a 24-hour scale allowed for unambiguous timekeeping. The Cosmonaute became the first Swiss wristwatch in space, establishing a lineage that continues to influence contemporary watchmaking. Modern commemorative editions, such as the centenary model honouring Carpenter, serve as both tribute and testament to this pioneering moment.

Buy the Breitling Cosmonaute here.

Other iconic watches that have been to space

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

No discussion of space horology would be complete without acknowledging the enduring legacy of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. Famously worn during the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the Speedmaster earned its reputation as the “Moonwatch” through rigorous NASA testing and its role in critical mission phases, including the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew. The current line of Speedmasters feature the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. It comes with a 50-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph frequency, hacking seconds, and METAS certification for superior precision and magnetic resistance.

Buy the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional here.

Casio G-Shock DW-5600

Equally notable is the ever-reliable Casio G-Shock. While not formally space-certified in the same manner as the Speedmaster, it has earned a reputation for extreme durability, shock resistance, and affordability, making it a practical choice among astronauts and space enthusiasts alike. Its quartz movement is housed in a carbon case that protects it from shocks. Featuring an alarm, chronograph, and alarm, this is a practical tool watch that has served working people who rely on time for decades.

Buy the Casio G-Shock DW-5600 here.

(Hero and feature image credit: Instagram/nasa)