Fratello reported that all four Blue Origin NS-16 crew members wore two Omega Speedmasters: a Hesalite Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, reference 310.30.42.50.01.001, and a Speedmaster Skywalker X-33, reference 318.90.45.79.01.001. The crew watches reportedly had personalized casebacks and flight-customized Omega Velcro straps; they were not presented as retail editions.
Which watches did the NS-16 crew wear?
In a report published on 21 July 2021, the day after the 20 July NS-16 flight, Fratello identified the watches worn by Jeff Bezos, Mark Bezos, Wally Funk and Oliver Daemen as these two models:
| Watch | Reference | Reported detail |
|---|---|---|
| Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch | 310.30.42.50.01.001 | Hesalite crystal |
| Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 | 318.90.45.79.01.001 | Skywalker-generation X-33 |
Fratello’s identification and customization details are reported by the specialist publication, which said Omega confirmed its caseback description. The report did not include published images of the personalized backs. Read Fratello’s NS-16 watch report.
What was customized on the casebacks and straps?
According to Fratello, each crew member’s caseback was personalized. The reported design showed the New Shepard vehicle in the center, “First Watch Worn on the Moon” above it, and “Blue Origin NS-16” with the individual wearer’s name below. Fratello said the X-33’s customized caseback was titanium.
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
Both models reportedly received Omega Velcro straps customized for the NS-16 flight. These details describe the crew’s watches as reported; they are not evidence that Omega offered the same engraving or straps as a standard customer option.
Why aren’t there pictures of the custom casebacks?
Fratello said Omega did not make images of the casebacks available to the publication and described the project as non-commercial. As a result, the published account is the basis for the inscriptions and customization details; the article did not show the backs for readers to inspect.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case
- Black dial
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Is the NS-16 X-33 the original 1998 model?
No. Fratello identified the crew’s watch as the Skywalker X-33, reference 318.90.45.79.01.001. Omega’s history discusses an earlier X-33, reference 3990.50.00, introduced in 1998 after five years of development with space agencies, the US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds. Omega describes that original model as a 42.25 mm titanium watch with a Kevlar bracelet, sapphire crystal, LCD display and calibre 1666; it was designed for use with thick gloves and was used on NASA Space Shuttle missions and Russia’s Mir station. Omega’s X-33 history provides background on the family, not confirmation of the NS-16 customizations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you buy the crew’s personalized watches?
The report does not describe the NS-16 watches as a public limited edition or a commercial release. The two references identify the standard models on which the crew watches were based; the personalized casebacks and customized straps are not shown to be purchasable retail options. Availability of the standard models can change, and no current listing is established here.
Rank #3
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
A later X-33-family watch illustrates how the line continued without being the NS-16 model: Swatch Group’s 2022 Marstimer release describes a 45 mm grade 2 titanium watch with calibre 5622, Mars-time and solar-compass functions, alongside X-33 features including mission elapsed time, phase elapsed time, alarms and a perpetual calendar. It came with a dedicated NATO strap and strap-changing tool. Those specifications belong to the Marstimer, not the crew’s Skywalker. Swatch Group’s Marstimer announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rubber
- Rotating bezel, gmt
- Automatic-self-wind movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Rank #4
- OMEGA Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.30.40.50.01.001
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