X-33 Skywalker Review

Hands90 · Oct 24, 2017

Always wanted to pick one up. I guess I was under the impression that Omega was going to release another update but I think this one is perfect the way it is.

duc · Oct 24, 2017

Awareness of the Apple watch syndrome compels me to believe Omega will introduce something along the lines of the Breitling B55. Logic makes me think it will be built off of the X-33 architecture.

As it stands, nothing like that appeals to me. That doesn't mean it never will.

Hands90 · Oct 24, 2017

duc
Awareness of the Apple watch syndrome compels me to believe Omega will introduce something along the lines of the Breitling B55. Logic makes me think it will be built off of the X-33 architecture.

As it stands, nothing like that appeals to me. That doesn't mean it never will.

I'd like to see an Omega version of the B55.

ras47 · Oct 29, 2017

I never liked the original versions with the circular writing on the inside of the face. But these new versions - Skywalker - check all the boxes for me. It's definitely on my list. Solar Impulse or standard Skywalker is the only question for me now.

sevenhelmet · Oct 29, 2017

ras47
I never liked the original versions with the circular writing on the inside of the face. But these new versions - Skywalker - check all the boxes for me. It's definitely on my list. Solar Impulse or standard Skywalker is the only question for me now.

If you're on the fence, I recommend standard. Having seen both in person, the SI looks good, but with the regular version, you get the bracelet, which is the best and most versatile look for this watch. I haven't found anything yet that looks as good as the original Ti bracelet on a Skywalker X-33. The SI version would only be better if that color scheme really appeals to you, or if the SI project holds a special significance for you.

sevenhelmet · Dec 3, 2017

So I recently logged into my Omega website, and saw this:

Screen Shot 2017-12-03 at 3.27.59 PM.png

However, my X-33 didn't come with an "access code" in the papers, so I can't view whatever test results might be tied to my serial number. Does anyone know how I can see whatever test results they show? As a quartz movement, the X-33s obviously aren't METAS tested, although they are tested in other ways, and I was curious to see what those results were. Of note, this is a recent change to the website, as I logged the purchase of my X-33 when I got it this past April, and I didn't see this option until a week or two ago.

Lowflight · Dec 27, 2017

I really like the look better than a Gen 2 X33

kwiklot · Dec 27, 2017

Very good review, do you find the digital display distracting ever, do you revert to it out of habit when reading the time?

sevenhelmet · Dec 28, 2017

kwiklot
Very good review, do you find the digital display distracting ever, do you revert to it out of habit when reading the time?

Not at all. I usually read the analog time out of habit, and look at the digital display for UTC, T2, Chrono, etc. as needed. I rarely reference the digital for local time, since local time matches the hands (T1). As a pilot, I have UTC set as the "quick select" function on the pusher at 10 o'clock so I can always reference it quickly, and I leave T2 as my home time-zone for convenience.

Re: My question three posts up, I emailed Omega with the same question on X-33 "test results", and never got an answer back. Still a lingering curiosity of mine, but it's one of no real consequence. Anyone else with a Skywalker have access to test results via Omega's website?

jets · Dec 29, 2017

Hey there this is my first post on this forum. Found this thread while digging for info to add a micro adjustment clasp to my 3rd gen X-33.

I bought this watch in August of 2015 and wear it weekdays. I was looking for an analog/digital and the only thing I found was the Breiting but it was ugly to me. Once I learned that a 3rd gen was released I freaked out and went to see my AD who is also a friend. He had it and I told him I'd take it right then and there. 25% off too 😉 It is in for service right now as the battery started to jump 5 seconds to indicate low power level whenever I used the backlight. I totally love this watch and enjoy wearing it all the time. The only quartz that I'll ever own as I see it. That said, the only things that bug me about this piece are the following:

- Crown. It can get pushed and while I'm going about my day and it ends up displaying T2 which annoys me. Usually when I bend my wrist the crown gets pushed by the back of my wrist. Part of the reason this happens is because I wear it a bit loose; if I remove a link it fits too tight for my liking even when adjusting the two pin options. Some sort of crown lock would have been amazing. For example, a crown that can lock if rotated 90 degrees or something like that as a traditional screw down would take too long and defeat the purpose of the watch.

- Backlight. Use of the watch is extremely limited in the dark. Once the button is pressed it'll stay illuminated for 5 seconds and shut off. This means an alarm can't be setup using the backlight which really frustrates me. I may doze off and remember I need to wake at a certain time only to have to turn on the light so I can see and activate it. In programming mode the button to illuminate will inadvertently exit the programming mode. I really think that it should have been designed to keep illumination on if a user immediately entered any setting mode after activating the backlight. At that point it could stay on until program mode has been exited.

- Favorite mode button. Great idea - I love it! Thing is though, had they just used this button exclusively for the backlight the watch could be illuminated whenever the user needed it regardless of what mode the watch was in. I would forego the favourite for this functionality. I understand the reason is battery preservation however it affects the use of the watch too negatively.

- Analog only mode. It would have been cool to have a way to turn off the digital display at will. Right now if no buttons are pressed for 5 days the watch enters analog only mode and it looks really clean having those white hands against a black dial. Once I start to wear it again it is just a matter of time before the crown gets pressed and the digital display is on again. Neat thing is that if I don't want to know how long I've been at the casino tables the crown can be pulled out to go into power saving mode. That kills the digital display and sets all the hands to 12:00.

- Needs a better clasp to get the right fit. This has always been an issue for me and Omega's I have owned. I got rid of my 2254.50 and Great White for this reason. The X-33 is so good I kept it in spite of this gripe! I am working on this as it is possible now using the 117TIZ001151 micro adjusting clasp. I think it is for a new PO model. The only hiccup is I need to find out which two new clasp links I need to get. The micro adjusting clasp is 20mm vs the X-33's 18mm clasp and the wider clasp links are needed to replace the last links on the X-33 bracelet. There are two possibilities from what I can tell but need to still figure it out. I don't have my watch here with me (being serviced) so I don't know exactly what numbers are stamped on my bracelet. Maybe someone here can tell me what's stamped on their 3rd gen bracelet?

All in all the X-33 is fantastic and I think I will even buy a spare one in case something happens to mine. If it gets discontinued I don't want to be caught with my pants down. Part of me can hope that someone at Omega sees this post and perhaps tweaks this quartz movement in the future. It's the only luxury quartz watch I have ever been fond of.

Cheers!

DonovanMartin · Mar 20, 2018

ketiljo
Congratulations, it's a great watch. I have the former version of the X33, 2nd gen. Can't beat the "Flight qualified by NASA for space missions" on the back. I like the new dark dial a bit more I think.

I have toyed with getting any version of this watch but the dark dial is very impressive. This is now on my list!

duc · Mar 20, 2018

jets
- Needs a better clasp to get the right fit. This has always been an issue for me and Omega's I have owned. I got rid of my 2254.50 and Great White for this reason. The X-33 is so good I kept it in spite of this gripe! I am working on this as it is possible now using the 117TIZ001151 micro adjusting clasp. I think it is for a new PO model. The only hiccup is I need to find out which two new clasp links I need to get. The micro adjusting clasp is 20mm vs the X-33's 18mm clasp and the wider clasp links are needed to replace the last links on the X-33 bracelet. There are two possibilities from what I can tell but need to still figure it out. I don't have my watch here with me (being serviced) so I don't know exactly what numbers are stamped on my bracelet. Maybe someone here can tell me what's stamped on their 3rd gen bracelet?

Cheers!

duc · Mar 20, 2018

Let's try that again. Here is my bracelet:

jets · Mar 20, 2018

I'll have the info soon guys, I went to swatch group to get the titanium micro clasp but the clasp links were wrong. We did some digging and she ordered the clasp links this bracelet needs to make it all work. What she did was use the SS counterpart to test fit it and ordered the titanium version so I'll have all the part number to share. Damn thing is going to cost me close to $600 USD but damn the costs I say! She was also pissed because Ti parts don't sell and shes going to be looking at the wrong clasp links on her shelf a long time.

jets · Mar 20, 2018

duc
Let's try that again. Here is my bracelet:

Mine is identical.

larryganz · Mar 21, 2018

jets
I'll have the info soon guys, I went to swatch group to get the titanium micro clasp but the clasp links were wrong. We did some digging and she ordered the clasp links this bracelet needs to make it all work. What she did was use the SS counterpart to test fit it and ordered the titanium version so I'll have all the part number to share. Damn thing is going to cost me close to $600 USD but damn the costs I say! She was also pissed because Ti parts don't sell and shes going to be looking at the wrong clasp links on her shelf a long time.

I got those clasp links with the 1151 to use with my 42mm Ti Planet Ocean 8500, and the OB threw away the packaging and so I don't know the part numbers, so I'd love to find out the clasp link part number in order to call in my order of another 1151 and links, to upgrade my Ti X-33 bracelet. I bought my X-33 Solar Impulse with Ti bracelet from Jim at Continental Jewelers 2 years ago, and love it.

ufo65 · Apr 6, 2018

detroitMD
Box:
If you’re used to seeing a nice red box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The X-33 comes packaged with a well made presentation box that contains a hidden spring loaded drawer specifically designed to hold the manual and cards.

Presentation: See pics.

The Dial:
Keeping the heritage of the Speedmaster line, it’s easy to see the pedigree when glancing into the dial. One very nice compliment to the watch is the digital display, which unlike most analog/digital dials, does not intrude or impede the quick reference capability provided by the analog hands. I was a bit concerned when I ordered this watch without seeing it on-site because I’m not a fan of the rectangular boxes reserved for the digital display which is common on other watches. The concern here was the carved out circle with notches, (some here referred to as a “hello kitty” outline) taking over the dial and creating a gaudy mess of it. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. In most instances, the outline is unnoticeable because you’re focus is on the analog display. Even when using the digital outlay, I found an appreciation of the outline and how it compliment’s the utility of the digital display. Beyond this, the ability to sync the hands and second marker, ensures that everything lines up properly and on mark.

Bezel:
Pure joy…..Not shiny, not obtrusive and very pleasant to turn in BOTH directions. More can be read up on Omega’s website as to the material behind this masterpiece. I only wish we could see more of this on serious tool watches.

The lume:
Enduring. Nothing else lacking needed here. A nice touch was added to the bezel at the 12 o'clock position as well. The digital display also possesses an independent ability to glow at the push of the button.

Case:
I can’t speak for Omega choosing to go with a larger case, but what I can say is that they didn’t waste a single component in the design. It’s comfortable to wear and slides easily under the cuff when not used. The case blends nicely into the bracelet, which further tapers around the wrist. The pushers blend nicely into the case as well, giving it a very serious “no distractions” look. The choice to use grade 2 Titanium over the typical grade 5 used in most high-end jewelry was justified by the overall presence that the X-33 delivers. It’s a purpose driven tool that isn’t meant to shine or call attention to itself. The essence behind it is mission oriented and that means being able to integrate within various environments where “what are you wearing” is irrelevant.

Crystal:
Sapphire layered with anti-reflective coatings on the top and bottom. Result? Invisible most of the time.

Bracelet:
Lacking nothing and very comfortable. Size it once and forget about it. The balance of the Case and curved lugs allow the X-33 to sit perfectly on the wrist without riding up or down. The tapered bracelet lends itself to this by offering slight “play” upon the lateral axis, in other words; it isn’t rigid like most modern solid bracelets. Instead, the play allows the bracelet to adapt to the rigorous motion of the wearer without flopping around like a politician during an election campaign.

Clasp:
Not much to be said here. I found it to be very sturdy, and appreciate the push button design seen on most Omega’s these days.

Functions:
Behind the most basic function of this piece, you have a well equipped pilots watch. An interactive manual can be downloaded on the iTunes App Store, which guides the user through the array of settings and uses for each function. I wont elaborate too much on this subject, but what I can say from years past as a professional pilot; this was a movement designed within the capability offered in a multifunction quartz to compliment itself by performing within a set schedule. In essence, it behaves as a task master and doesn’t try to be something it’s not (Breitling, I’m looking at you!)

And at last, The Alarm:
The amplified alarm exceeds the 80dB required by the ESA and is more than enough for anyone looking for a proper do-it-all alarm to get out of bed and stay on task.

Overall Impression:
Like the previous generation X-33’s, this one will soon be hard to acquire used, as I suspect most owners will find it irreplaceable. For those bound on terrestrial quests, there’s nothing that comes close to matching up aesthetics and function all in one package as there always seems to be a trade-off between the two, but this is my personal opinion having thoroughly considered Breitling and others.

Looks great!

Mongooseman · Jul 26, 2018

I went into an Omega dealer in Auckland yesterday and tried on the X-33...I absolutely loved it, other than the fact that the second hand didn't fall exactly on the dial markers. As others have said, that's something nobody should be accepting on a watch that costs thousands of dollars. I've asked them to confirm that this could be sorted out, and they're going to get back to me. If it can't be, I'll pass. I know for a fact they're gasping to get rid of it - they offered me 20% off without any argument whatsoever. If they can get me one that works as it's supposed to, I'll go for it I think. I've been using all the functions on the iPad app to try them out and have been surprised at the number of uses I can think of for MET and PE1/2. Photo on-wrist attached!