The Ultimate Mars Mission Watch: Durability and Reliability for a One-Way Trip

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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In a thought-provoking hypothetical, nasseriq challenges the WatchProSite community to select a single watch for a one-way Mars mission, where servicing and battery changes are impossible. This scenario pushes collectors to consider ultimate durability, legibility, and reliability over traditional horological appeal. nasseriq's initial thoughts lean towards a Submariner, setting the stage for a fascinating discussion on what watch truly stands up to the most extreme conditions imaginable.

You are selected for a MARS Mission. It could be a one way trip. You can take a watch of your choice. What would you take? Cost is not a problem as the watch will be bought for you.

However you will not be able to change batteries or have movements serviced. What are your options?

I was thinking either this or a Submariner for durability and legibility.

However I am interested in everyone’s views here.

Best & seasons greetings to all and a safe and prosperous 2021.

Key Points from the Discussion

The unique duration of a Martian day (1 day, 0 hours, 37 minutes Earth time) renders standard Earth-time watches less practical for timekeeping on Mars, suggesting a chronograph might be more useful for timing specific events.
For a mission to Mars, a robust, lightweight, and highly legible chronograph like the Omega Apollo XI 45th anniversary in titanium is suggested for its utility and durability.
The Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is proposed due to its tough ceramic construction and robust, relatively simple manual-wound movement, making it a suitable companion for harsh environments.
A manual-wind Grand Seiko is considered a viable option for its reliability and precision without needing battery changes, aligning with the mission's constraints.
Despite the hypothetical, some contributors express a preference for remaining on Earth, valuing its natural environment and the ability to enjoy a diverse watch collection over a Mars mission.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre X33 and Amvox 2 DBS are mentioned as potential candidates, possibly for their advanced functionalities or robust build, though the specific reasoning is not fully elaborated.

The Discussion

Passionata_george

Dec 24, 2020

Fun part aside An x33

cazalea

Dec 24, 2020

Thanks to Jim Kirk, Admiral, Retired, for how to change the test around so I come out on top. Cazalea

mkvc

Dec 24, 2020

You would need the long service interval and resistance to magnetism. They seem to be nice watches too.

BigAppleBill

Dec 24, 2020

And since a Mars day is slightly longer on average than an Earth day, our watches wouldn’t be of much use. I suppose a chronograph would be somewhat useful for timing things, so perhaps something robust like a Daytona.

cshimokita

Dec 24, 2020

maybe a manual wind Grand Seiko ; ) and I guess a film camera would be out of the question... Casey .

cshimokita

Dec 24, 2020

Here's a link from the Seiko Museum ...

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The Ultimate Mars Mission Watch: Durability and Reliability for a One-Way Trip

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