To be tagged as a space watch, a timepiece must remain accurate even without gravity. It should be dependable, with a movement that remains unaffected by the lack of normal gravitational forces. Despite the challenge, several watches have earned the honor of traveling to space with NASA’s approval. Another contender aiming for that recognition is the new Nova watch, which isn’t waiting for NASA’s affirmation; instead, it is branding itself as connected to the national space agency.
Only a few selected watches receive the space tag, as this status is granted only after undergoing NASA’s rigorous testing. A timepiece must prove it can withstand G-forces, vacuum, temperature extremes, and gravity fluctuations before finally being approved for space missions. Nova, a watch concept for Mars exploration, draws its inspiration from the structural precision and intricate texture of rocket engines and substantiates its stature for recognition. It celebrates the success of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission and aims to understand the potential of a watch in the worlds beyond our planet.
Designer: QSEODESIGN studio
Launched in 1957, the Omega Speeedmaster was the first official space watch that NASA approved for its piloted space mission in 1965. Since the Speedmaster has been the first choice of astronauts and has been part of six lunar landings, earning itself the “Moonwatch” moniker. Inspired by NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, the NOVA concept watch aims to land on the red planet with its aerospace aesthetics and timeless design, but for now, it may be an inexperienced astronaut branded for ground missions.
The watch features a striking white form factor, enhanced ever so slightly by the NASA branding in red. The dial feels sunken inside the protruding ceramic bezel that sits on a case measuring 44 x 48 x 11 (cm). The case is made of anodized aluminum, and it comes paired with a silicone strap, which gives the Nova watch a precise definition. The watch aesthetics are crisp, and its feasibility in various color options: black, red, and blue – in addition to white – is what makes the Nova grab the imagination of people who may or may not be watch enthusiasts.
By virtue of its inspiration and design, the Nova concept watch celebrates the spirit of discovery (of the Mars mission) through its modern, geometric design language that balances technical sophistication and space watch design cues to honor the “heritage of space exploration and the bold trajectory of its future.” While other watches, ready for space, feature the chronograph and tachymeter bezel, the Nova, by appearance may seem impoverished to have an astronaut resume, but it is designed for NASA and its base facilities with a simple design and luminous hands for legibility. Who knows, through its efficiency in ground duties, the Nova watch concept can one day graduate to the wrist of Mars explorers, when manned missions to the red planet begin.
The post Nova watch concept for Mars exploration remains grounded before NASA approval first appeared on Yanko Design.