The space race is gaining momentum again: manned missions to Mars are planned for the second half of the 2030s.
As we prepare for the most massive and ambitious extraterrestrial expedition in human history, a natural question arises: if Mars is just the first step, what awaits humanity next? In the Transformed Imagination series, ATOWAK offers a glimpse into a future where Mars is already colonized and has become humanity's 'second home,' and a new era of space exploration is in full swing. The Mars Age model is a unique watch inspired by this imaginary future, with complications and visual elements reflecting humanity's connection to the red planet.
Watches as Functional Art and History of the Future
Watches are essentially functional art. For enthusiasts, it's not so much about telling time (a Casio F91W can handle that for less than $20) as it is about the art, craftsmanship, and history behind the piece. Many brands rely on historical context (such as the Omega Speedmaster, legendary for its moon landing), while others draw inspiration from partnerships with famous personalities, sports teams, or current events. All these watches link the owner to a broader history. ATOWAK has taken a different path, creating watches that tell the story of an imagined future in which the Transformed Imagination series models live.
Transformed Imagination Series: From Earth to Mars
The Transformed Imagination series includes models that take us far beyond Earth: Spaceship, Core, Cosmofleet, and now Mars Age. Each watch reveals a part of the story - from humanity's origins on Earth to the inevitable journey to distant planets. Mars Age focuses on humanity's relationship with its 'second home' - Mars.
Mars Age Variations: Materials and Design
ATOWAK has introduced three versions of Mars Age, crafted from different materials and executed in colors symbolizing various aspects of the Martian theme:
- Origin Grey - monochrome grey;
- Phantom Violet - multicolored violet-blue;
- Traverse White - snowy white.
Despite differences in color and case materials, all models feature a celestial dial composition with a unique complication that brings the planets to life.
Unique Time Display Method
Reading time on the Mars Age is a journey from Earth to Mars. The hours are displayed using a Mars disc, which serves as the hour indicator: as the planet rotates, a triangle on the dial moves along the outer hour scale, making it easy to track time. The inner and outer discs rotate around their own axis, allowing Mars to orbit the dial while the 12-hour mark on the outer disc remains at the top.
The titanic watch disc is adorned with a laser-etched image of the Martian canyon Valles Marineris with an accuracy of 0.02 mm. Under the disc, Super-LumiNova glows, simulating the soft lighting of a Martian settlement.
Minutes are displayed on the upper semicircle of the dial with a 'space relay' system: a rocket-shaped hand and a bi-directional hand alternate each hour, controlled by a planetary mechanism. Seconds are shown by a rotating element shaped like the letter M in the center of the dial.
Additional Astronomical Details
Next to the Mars watch disc are miniature models of Earth and the Moon - AK Earth and AK Moon, forming a miniature planetary system. Earth completes a full rotation in 120 minutes, maintaining a vertical position. Its surface is laser-engraved with continental outlines, and the 'AK' inscription glows with Super-LumiNova. The Moon is a 3-mm spherical bead made of black jadeite with a slight translucency, creating a subtle green glow.
Case Materials and Technical Specifications
The Origin Grey and Phantom Violet models are made of carbon fiber, while Traverse White is made of fiberglass. The fiberglass case is created under high temperatures and pressures, providing a unique organic texture, complemented by Grade 5 titanium inserts. The case diameter is 40 mm, the lug-to-lug distance is 47.2 mm, and the thickness is 14.4 mm (with a double sapphire dome). The weight is just 54.5 g without the strap and 67.5 g with the strap.
Features of the Phantom Violet Special Edition
Phantom Violet stands out with its vibrant color palette inspired by Martian hues: the purple case and blue accents evoke the bluish-violet glow of the sun at sunrise and sunset on Mars, the orange tones reflect the warm shades of the planet's surface, and the blue flashes hint at the presence of water in early geological history.
In this model, standard brass plates of the central module are replaced with more durable and lighter Grade 5 titanium plates, enhancing the visual architecture and stability of the mechanism.
Movement and Strap
The Mars Age watches are equipped with the modular caliber AK-08BA (based on Sellita SW200), developed by ATOWAK. The frequency is 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 38 hours. The main complication is the movement of celestial bodies. A bi-directional rotor increases winding efficiency by 30%. The set includes a 24 mm wide 900D ripstop nylon and leather strap with a titanium buckle, tapering to 20 mm. A leather strap is also provided as an additional option during pre-order.
Prices and Availability
The standard versions Origin Grey and Traverse White are priced at $3,380, while the Phantom Violet special edition costs $3,980. During the pre-order period from June 15 to 24, 2026, a $150 discount is available. Phantom Violet is limited to 102 pieces - the number reflects the difference between Martian and Earth time (a day on Mars lasts 24 hours 39 minutes 35 seconds, which is slightly over 102% of an Earth day). Origin Grey and Traverse White are not limited, but will be released in phases and are not planned for permanent production.
For more information and to place a pre-order, visit the official website at atowak.com.