When you’re floating 250 miles above the Earth, traveling at 17,500 miles per hour, the tools on your wrist aren’t just about telling time. They are mission-critical instruments for survival and precision. The timepieces worn by astronauts have a legacy forged in the most extreme environment imaginable, a legacy that began not with a complex digital device, but with a simple, robust mechanical watch. The journey to answer the question of What Watch Do Astronauts Wear? NASA-Approved Space Watches is a fascinating tale of engineering, testing, and human achievement.
These aren’t just watches; they are pieces of history that have been to the Moon and back, serviced the International Space Station, and timed critical maneuvers in the vacuum of space. The selection process for a NASA flight watch is famously rigorous, designed to separate timepieces that merely tell time from those that can withstand the brutal conditions of space travel. From the early days of the Mercury program to the modern era, the watches that earned the right to be strapped to a spacesuit represent the pinnacle of durability and functionality.
The Ultimate Test: How a Watch Becomes NASA-Approved
Before any watch could accompany an astronaut, it had to survive what is arguably the most brutal testing regimen ever devised for a timepiece. In the 1960s, NASA was on a tight schedule to reach the Moon and needed a reliable chronograph for its astronauts. They didn’t design one from scratch; instead, they anonymously purchased watches from several brands and put them through hell.
The tests were designed to simulate the extreme shocks, temperatures, and forces of a space mission. Watches were subjected to temperatures ranging from 160°F to 200°F and then down to 0°F. They were exposed to a near-vacuum, high humidity, and 100% oxygen atmospheres. They endured intense vibrations, acoustic noise levels over 130 decibels, and sudden accelerations and shocks. The goal was simple: find a watch that could keep accurate time through it all. Only one watch passed with flying colors, setting the standard for all that would follow.
The Legendary Timekeeper: Omega’s Speedmaster
The watch that emerged victorious from NASA’s grueling tests was the Omega Speedmaster Professional. Earning the official title of “Flight-Qualified by NASA for All Manned Space Missions,” the Speedmaster, affectionately known as the “Moonwatch,” became an instant legend. Its first major role was during the Gemini program, but its most famous moment came during the Apollo 13 mission.
When an onboard explosion crippled the spacecraft, the crew used their manually-wound Omega Speedmasters to time a critical 14-second engine burn. This precise timing was essential for aligning their crippled craft for a safe re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. NASA later presented Omega with its “Silver Snoopy Award” for its role in saving the mission and the crew. For decades, the Speedmaster was the only watch certified for Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), or spacewalks, making it a true icon of space exploration.
Modern Missions and New Contenders
While the Omega Speedmaster holds a legendary status, the landscape of NASA-approved space watches has evolved with the times. The Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station (ISS) introduced new requirements and a more relaxed policy regarding personal equipment. Astronauts were often given more freedom to choose their own timepieces, provided they met basic mission safety standards.
This shift opened the door for other brands to make their mark in orbit. The Casio G-Shock, for instance, became a common sight on the wrists of astronauts thanks to its incredible shock resistance, reliability, and useful features like multiple time zones and alarms. Similarly, the Timex Ironman, with its simple functionality and durability, has also been a popular choice for many crew members on the ISS. These digital watches offer practical advantages for the specific tasks and digital environment of the modern space station.
What Makes a Watch Truly Space-Worthy?
So, what are the key features that separate a terrestrial watch from one that can handle the rigors of space? It goes beyond just being sturdy. First and foremost is legibility. In the harsh lighting of direct sunlight or the deep shadow of a spacecraft, the dial must be instantly readable. This is why watches like the Speedmaster have high-contrast, luminescent hands and clear, bold markings.
Reliability is non-negotiable. A mechanical failure in space is not an option. Movements must be robust and able to withstand intense G-forces during launch and re-entry. Functionality is also key. A chronograph, or stopwatch, is essential for timing engine burns and other procedures. Finally, ease of use is critical. An astronaut wearing thick pressurized gloves must be able to operate the watch’s functions easily, which is why large pushers and a clear bezel are common features.
What Watch Do Astronauts Wear? NASA-Approved Space Watches Today
Today, the answer to what watch an astronaut wears is more diverse than ever. The Omega Speedmaster remains a constant, still officially certified for spacewalking. However, you are just as likely to see a modern digital watch like a Casio G-Shock or a Suunto. The choice often depends on the astronaut’s personal preference and the specific demands of their mission.
For a spacewalk, the tried-and-tested Speedmaster is often the go-to choice. For daily life aboard the ISS, an astronaut might prefer a digital watch that can sync with station time, handle multiple timers, and withstand the general knocks of life in microgravity. The common thread is that every watch, whether a historic mechanical chronograph or a modern digital tool, is chosen for its proven ability to perform under pressure.
From timing a life-or-death maneuver on Apollo 13 to helping schedule a science experiment on the ISS, the watches worn by astronauts are more than just instruments. They are trusted partners in exploration, built to a standard that ensures they work perfectly when it matters most. Their legacy is a powerful reminder that true reliability is born from being tested in the most extreme conditions imaginable.