Having watched several modern documentaries about the ISS and space, I can confidently state that Omega still rules in space.

Both Russian and American astronauts use two types of wrist watches and both are Omega. The first is Omega Speedmaster Skywalker x-33 and the second - Omega Speedmaster Profession (the moonwatch). The Skywalker is worn at the station, the second one - when entering space. It is very pleasant that these watches are still tool-watches and have not lost their professional purpose, as has happened with some “professional” lines of some brands. Seeing how they work in space and what they have to face there, you realize the advantage of hesalite glass vs sapphire.

 

Tool watch for me, worn daily


https://omegaforums.net/threads/friggen-lucky.84267/

 

Clearly can be both. Hence the popularity.

 

Love the watch. Been an owner for about 6 hours

 

It started as a tool watch, as evidenced by the rich Speedmaster's history with NASA and the Space Program. However, these days most of us who wear a Speedy are not astronauts. For us it's more of a luxury item, although far from an extravagant one. So while it may be a luxury watch for 99% of us who wear them, it retains it's tool watch status as well. So I say both!

 

It’s a luxury purchase these days. Just look at how fancy the omega boutiques are, designed to appeal to people who want to feel important because they’ve got a bit of money. The modern bracelet kills the original tool watch look too.

You can see why so many people like that 1960’s watches. Ironically, these days, they are much more expensive that the modern ones, I don’t know if you can consider a $10,000 and up watch a tool watch.

 

I don’t really care what it is.

 

Went for a Christmas Day walk today, and used the timer for its intended purpose. Could have used the timer on my phone, but more “fun” with the watch.

Tool for sure

 

Tool watch just like divers.

To the OP...

Your right and wrong....

The Speedmaster is worn on launch and landing externally by all Russian and most NASA astronauts. NASA no longer has a watch for EVA but Russians still wear the speedy externally for EVA.

On the station it’s personal preference and few wear the x33. Notibly Hadfield did, but it’s a random set of watches for personal kits.

Russians notibly wore Fortis for awhile both for EVA and normal wear for a bit.


As for tool watch... like a sub or diver it’s a watch built to serve a tool function first. Even if not used for the purpose it was designed as one. I also use the tachy scale to time operations per hour which was how they where used on business/ foreman watches and stop watches.

 

I’ve got you beat by about 24 hours...congrats!

 

@Foo2rama
We're still searching for a good photo and the first date of an EVA performed with a FORTIS

 

Watches worn during EVA (on the outside of the spacesuit):
Omega (June 1965)
Bulova (August 1971)
FORTIS ( ? 1990s)
FIYTA ( September 2008)
SEIKO ( December 2008 )

 

Some pics found in the net....

 

I have read that they use Fortis as a spare watch.

 

Depends how much dosh you have. If £3500 is not a lot of money to you, then it's a "tool watch". If ,like me, £3500 is a lot of money, then it's a "luxury" to even think about owning one.

When my Dad bought this 105.012-65 in the 1960's, (probably following a win on the dog track or Bingo) it was a good quality "tool watch" that he wore everyday. For me, now in 2018, it's very much a "luxury watch" and a bit of a "worry".
Give your new, modern, Speedy 50 years, and a trip to Mars, maybe it'll change from "tool watch" to "luxury watch"?

 

It seems that back in the 60's, a moonwatch would cost around US$ 140 (tag price, no discount). Using a dollar inflation calculator, that would be US$ 1120 in 2018.

Given that the price new in an Omega AD will be around 5K or more, that is 5x the corrected price than the 60's.

I'm afraid that it is no longer a toolwatch, falling into the realm of jewelry.

It doesn't mean you cannot use it as a tool, though.

 

Very true mate, but I tend to go easy on the 50 year old pushers and crown.

 

I have no idea of the origin of this picture, where it was taken, or the date but Fortis published it in their Fortis 100 Years book in 2012.

Judging by the lighting its looks possible it was taken during an EVA, but when I have no clue.

 

I don't think it is a tool watch anymore. Like vintage Rolex, they are more luxury accessories rather than a tool watch. I do not know many people with Speedmasters as daily wearers. Certainly I am not one of them.

 

I suppose that it's whatever the owner wants it to be. I did wear my first Speedmaster every day for a decade and only don't now because I got another one to bring into the rotation. Some people buy an Omega and baby it, maybe only bringing it out for more special/formal occasions. Others buy an Omega to wear all the time, which is why I bought mine. So, to me they are a tool watch and a luxury watch...I don't see those terms as mutually exclusive.