Watch Paparazzi

Astronaut Luca Parmitano spotted wearing Omega

During a June 2026 appearance on the Italian television programme Che Tempo Che Fa, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano presented himself wearing a stainless steel Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.001. Parmitano, confirmed as pilot for the forthcoming Artemis III mission, will oversee in-orbit testing of docking technologies for the Orion spacecraft during Earth orbit operations. The Speedmaster on his wrist underscored a connection to NASA-certified spaceflight instrumentation that extends back more than 60 years.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.001 is powered by the calibre 1861, a hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement housed within a 42 mm polished and brushed stainless steel case. The dial presents three subdials in classic black with white numerical hour markers and luminous sword hands. The watch features a fixed stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale and is fitted with a Hesalite acrylic crystal, a material chosen for its scratch resistance and repairability in extreme environments. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres. The iconic Omega bracelet with solid end links and diving extension accommodates wear over a spacesuit.

The Speedmaster Professional holds singular status among mechanical timepieces: it remains the sole watch approved by NASA for spacewalk operations without time restrictions. This qualification, first awarded in 1965 and reconfirmed across every subsequent space programme including the Apollo missions, places the reference 311.30.42.30.01.001 in a category beyond collector desirability—it is operational heritage. The current iteration has remained in continuous production since 2002, with only minor updates to the movement finishing and case refinements.

Parmitano's choice reflects institutional continuity within space agencies. ESA and NASA astronauts routinely wear the Speedmaster Professional during public appearances as a symbolic anchor to mission-critical standards. For Artemis III, which will conduct orbital operations in preparation for lunar return missions, the presence of this watch on Parmitano's wrist signals adherence to proven timekeeping protocols. The Italian social media post humorously speculated whether Parmitano might transition to the Omega X-33 Skywalker—a titanium digital chronograph also NASA-approved—for future missions.

Retail pricing for the Speedmaster Professional Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.001 sits at approximately USD 6,100. Grey-market and pre-owned examples trade between USD 5,800 and USD 6,500 depending on condition and service history. Waitlists through official Omega retailers remain typical, with allocation constraints affecting most markets. The watch's dual status—operational instrument and accessible luxury timepiece—maintains consistent demand.