Welcome to our new luxxee magazine weekly wrap-up, where we bring you fresh news about what's going on in the watch world
Omega Takes On Mars. The NEW Speedmaster X-33 “Marstimer”
With the help of the European Space Agency, Omega has decided to embark from the Moon to venture to Mars. Omega has released a new variation of the X-33, inspired by the exploration of the red planet, hence the name, the “Marstimer.” The watch was released on the 10th Anniversary of “Speedy Tuesday,” even though the Marstimer isn’t a traditional Omega Speedmaster Chronograph.
The Marstimer is a more oversized watch at 45mm, featuring a grade 2 titanium case and titanium bracelet. The anodized aluminum bezel insert is coloured rust-red, the colour of Mars, due to the iron oxide (rust) dust that covers the planet's entire surface. The bezel colour is implemented again on the top left pusher and the second hand.
The most incredible feature of the Moontimer is a new analog/digital display and movement, paired with the functionality to give us the time ON MARS. Powered by the new Omega Calibre 5622 and the new functionality developed with the help of the European Space Agency, we can track the time on Mars (MTC or Mars Time Coordinated) the same way we can here on Earth. Most people don’t know this, but one day lasts approximately 40 minutes longer on Mars than Earth. It needs to withstand a new environment with a watch destined for Mars. Therefore, the watch has been thermo-tested and qualified by the European Space Agency.
Omega watches have an extensive history of space exploration, especially tie-ins with NASA and the Moon. This new chapter of space exploration, to find another planet to live on, maybe in the next 100 years, is a fantastic concept, and to see a new chapter on a new planet with a different exploration team is so cool. I can’t wait to see where Omega’s interest in space exploration lands them next.
The 40mm Panerai Luminor Watches
When I think of Panerai watches, I think of a giant, 45mm Luminor on the wrist of someone like Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone and many other big screen action stars. Panerai was the king of the larger-scale wristwatch from the 1990s to the 2010s, but we’ve seen the brand decrease its sizing annually. And there's one particular reference that I think hits that "perfect" sizing category: The Luminor 40 PAM1048.
The Panerai Luminor Marina PAM1048, which was introduced in 2018, is what you’d expect in terms of design and looks like the usual PAM. The watch has a clean dial with its standard numerals at 12:00 and 6:00, a small seconds subdial at 9:00 and a magnified date window at 3:00. While Panerais of the past have been dauntingly large, a smaller form factor is very welcoming to those with a smaller wrist or who have been fans of the brand but turn away due to the large size.
A large cushion case and a big crown guard are what Panerai is known for, but a more wearable form factor for any wrist is always ideal. While the watch measures a chunky 15.5mm thick, the cushion case, curved lugs and flat case back should balance the thickness and provide a comfortable wearing experience. The PAM1048 is fitted with the Panerai OP XXX automatic calibre, which has a 50-hour power reserve and is COSC certified.
In December 2021, Panerai introduced a new Luminor Marina Quaranta collection, all featuring (as "Quaranta," the Italian word for "forty" suggests) 40mm cases. These 40mm models (the blue dial PAM 01270, white dial PAM 01271, and black dial PAM 01272) replaced all 42mm Luminor Marina models. Just a quick refresher, a "Marina" version are those Luminor watches with a running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. It's clear that Panerai is leaning into the 40mm size, which I'm sure is a move that Panerai fans with smaller wrists appreciate.
Celebrity Watch Spotting: Ed Sheeran and AP
Everyone knows Ed Sheeran, pop star, producer, and songwriter, but I know him even more as a watch collector. Ed has owned it all. Rolex, Patek, Hublot, RM, Roger Smith, Omega, AP, you name it; it has most likely been in his collection.
While he may not have bought the Tiffany dial Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ed was spotted while vacationing in Ibiza wearing the brand new and HOT Blue Ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26579CS valued at $147,000.
Thank you for reading luxxee's weekly wrap-up and don't forget to come back next week to see what’s happening in the watch world!
