From Earth to Orbit: India’s Astronaut and His Omega Timekeepers
Some watches tell time. Others tell stories.
And once in a while, a watch tells the story of a nation reaching for the stars.
As Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to become the first Indian astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), he will carry with him more than scientific instruments and national pride—he’ll wear two legendary watches from Omega, a brand woven into the very fabric of space exploration.
The Man Behind the Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla isn’t just any astronaut. He’s a test pilot, a dreamer, and a trailblazer, following in the cosmic footsteps of India’s first man in space, Rakesh Sharma. Inspired by legacy, powered by grit, and chosen for India’s first private crewed mission to the ISS, Shukla represents the spirit of a billion dreams.
And on his wrist? Not one, but two Omega Speedmaster watches, built not for style alone, but for survival in zero gravity.
The Watches destined for Space
1. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Skywalker
A marvel of modern engineering, this multifunctional quartz chronograph was developed with the European Space Agency. It’s precise, lightweight, and built for astronauts operating inside spacecraft.
2. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
The stuff of legend. The very watch that buzzed on the lunar surface in 1969 with Buzz Aldrin. Hand-wound. Mechanically perfect. Still the only watch certified by NASA for spacewalks.
Both watches are custom-fitted into Shukla’s spacesuit. Both are part of his mission toolkit. Both carry a legacy that stretches from the Moon to Mars—and now, to India.
A History Written in the Stars
The connection between Omega and space began in 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra wore an Omega Speedmaster on his Mercury Sigma 7 mission. By 1965, NASA officially certified the watch for all manned missions—including the famed Apollo 11 Moon landing.
Since then, Omega Watches worn by astronauts have become more than a timekeeper. It’s become a symbol of trust, precision, and human ambition.
To this day, every lunar landing, every critical EVA, every deep-space experiment—Omega has been there.
Why Time Matters in Space
In orbit, every second matters.
When to fire a thruster. When to adjust oxygen levels. When to initiate a docking sequence. There are no margins for error in the vacuum of space.
That’s why Omega remains the watch of choice for space agencies around the world. It works in extreme cold and searing heat. It functions in vacuum, high G-force, and zero gravity. It is tested to survive where humans barely can.
India’s Glory. Omega’s Legacy. Your Moment.
This mission is more than a technical triumph. It’s a story of what India is becoming—a bold, forward-looking nation with the confidence to aim higher.
And at the heart of that story is a timepiece that has already conquered the Moon—and is now flying with one of our own.
At Art of Time, we’re proud to bring you this legacy. The Speedmaster isn’t just a luxury watch for men—it’s a conversation piece. A symbol of curiosity. A badge of ambition.
Own a Piece of History
Looking to wear the same icon trusted in orbit? Discover the Omega Collection at Art of Time. Because every great journey starts with knowing what time it is.
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