When Katy Perry took a suborbital joyride with Blue Origin, the internet debated everything, from her flight suit to whether space tourism was just a very expensive selfie moment.
While everyone was getting a little too excited regarding her journey, we were more interested in astronaut watches and how they were a fashion revelation.
Because let’s face it, anything that survives liftoff, lunar landings, and zero gravity and still manages to look effortlessly cool? That deserves a seat at our discussion tables.
The story starts with the Omega astronaut watch, the first watch on the moon worn by Buzz Aldrin. But don’t be fooled, it wasn’t chosen for looks. It was chosen because it could survive practically anything.
Since then, watches worn in space have been collected by enthusiasts and are still tested by NASA today. We’ve just rounded up some of the most iconic astronaut watches that made it to the moon and why they still matter today.
Our Favourite Astronaut Watches Worn in Space
1. Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”
No list of astronaut watches is complete without the Omega Speedmaster Professional, affectionately called the "Moonwatch."
In 1965, NASA subjected several watches to a brutal series of tests involving extreme heat, shock, vibration, and vacuum exposure. Only one survived: the Speedmaster. That earned it a permanent spot on every manned mission from Gemini to Apollo.
When Neil Armstrong took that legendary step onto the moon’s surface, he left his Speedmaster in the lunar module as a backup for a broken clock. But Buzz Aldrin wore his, making it the first watch on the moon worn by Buzz Aldrin.
Even during the near tragic Apollo 13 mission, the Omega Astronaut Watch was instrumental in manually timing re-entry burns, which helped the crew return safely. Today, its legacy continues with updated models like the calibre 3861 Master Chronometer, but the essence remains beautifully untouched.
2. Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
While Omega had the official NASA seal of approval, Bulova slipped into the moon’s history in a more unexpected way.
During Apollo 15 in 1971, astronaut Dave Scott's Speedmaster lost its crystal during the second moonwalk. For the third and final EVA, Scott turned to his personal backup, a prototype Bulova chronograph. That moment made Bulova the only privately owned watch ever worn on the lunar surface.
The watch held its own in harsh lunar conditions and decades later, it became a piece of space memorabilia, selling at auction for $1.6 million.
3. Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675
Although not officially approved by NASA, the Rolex GMT-Master quietly accompanied astronauts to space as their personal choice.
The most notable among them was Jack Swigert of Apollo 13, whose GMT-Master offered the practical benefit of dual time zones, helping astronauts track both Earth and mission time. Ed Mitchell of Apollo 14 and Ron Evans of Apollo 17 were also known to wear it.
Its timeless design, robust construction, and versatile functionality made it a discreet yet stylish astronaut watch. While it never made it to the moon’s surface, it orbited close enough to earn its spot in space history.
4. Seiko 6139 "Pogue" Chronograph
For those who like a splash of colour, the Seiko 6139, famously known as the "Pogue," offers just that. It was worn by astronaut William Pogue aboard Skylab 4 in 1973, making it the first automatic chronograph worn in space, though unofficially.
Its golden-yellow dial, rotating bezel, and chunky case made it stand out among sleeker space watches. Pogue wore it because he had trained with it and trusted its performance. While not NASA issued, its journey into orbit cemented it as a cult favourite. Today, it represents the adventurous spirit of personal gear that performed just as well as the sanctioned choices.
5. Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute
Before the Omega Astronaut Watch claimed all the glory, Breitling had already carved its place. In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute aboard Mercury Atlas 7. This made it the first wristwatch worn by a NASA astronaut in orbit. What made it unique was its 24 hour dial, a clever modification to help astronauts distinguish day from night while floating in endless daylight.
Though it never reached the moon, its role in early space travel made it an essential part of the astronaut watch timeline.
6. Timex Datalink
Not all watches worn in space are mechanical marvels with moonwalk history. The Timex Datalink, while lacking lunar credentials, was a functional gem aboard Space Shuttle and ISS missions. It was one of the first digital watches certified by NASA for spaceflight, used by astronauts to upload schedules and mission data in the pre-smartphone era.
With its velcro strap and early wearable tech capabilities, it offered practical utility over legacy, proving that even a no frills digital watch can earn its stripes in space. It wasn’t made for glamour, but it was definitely made for the job.
7. Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph
The Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph holds the distinction of being certified by Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency. This mechanical chronograph has been the go-to choice for Russian cosmonauts since the 1990s. It has seen countless missions aboard Soyuz spacecraft and the International Space Station, making it one of the most worn watches in space of the modern era.
It’s been engineered to withstand the physical stress of launch, spacewalks, and re-entry. The Fortis is rugged but refined. Its visibility, reliability, and automatic movement make it an enduring tool watch, perfect for those who admire both functionality and heritage.
8. Casio G-Shock DW-5600
Loved for its toughness and simplicity, the Casio G-Shock DW-5600 found its way into space on the wrist of astronaut Thomas Marshburn during his mission aboard the ISS. While it wasn’t designed for lunar exploration, its reputation as a virtually indestructible digital watch made it an easy choice for astronauts navigating the daily grind in orbit.
With its shock resistant resin case, water resistance, and precise quartz movement, the DW-5600 represents the practical, affordable side of astronaut watches. It’s a go-to for those who want space worthy functionality without the collector’s price tag.
9. Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33
As a 21st century evolution of the original Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 was co-developed with the European Space Agency. It’s a hybrid digital analog chronograph with a titanium case, multiple mission timers, alarms, and the ability to track up to three time zones, all features specifically requested by astronauts.
Still used aboard the ISS today, it’s a modern astronaut wrist watch built for real mission functionality.
10. Sinn 140/142 S Chronograph
Worn by astronaut Reinhard Furrer during the 1985 Spacelab D1 mission, it became one of the few automatic chronographs tested and proven in the vacuum of space. Sinn watches are known for their technical innovation, and this model delivered flawless performance in microgravity.
With bold, functional design and aerospace grade materials, the Sinn 140/142 is both a space legacy and a mechanical purist’s dream. It might not have the same household recognition as Omega or Rolex, but those who truly appreciate a good watch know that it’s rock solid.
Where Time Meets the Stars
There’s something irresistibly poetic about a watch that’s seen the Earth from above. These astronaut watches are fragments of human ambition, worn by pioneers who dared to leave our planet behind.
Whether it’s the Omega watch that went to the moon or a modern ISS companion, each one tells a story of resilience.
Today, we wear them not because we’re heading for liftoff, but because we want to carry that spirit with us. A reminder, on the wrist, that we are capable of extraordinary things. Because in a world that moves fast, it’s always the timeless pieces that stay with us longest.
At Love Luxury, we celebrate that legacy every day.
Have a look at our handpicked collection of both pre-loved and brand-new timepieces, including icons from Rolex, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we probably already have.
