Omega Caliber 1665: Omega’s Ultimate Tool Quartz for Space and Flight

The Omega Caliber 1665 is a multifunction analog-digital quartz movement introduced in the early 2000s, designed as a successor to the Cal. 1655 and developed to meet the evolving demands of space agencies, military pilots, and mission-critical professionals. It powers the Speedmaster X-33 Gen 2 and later the Spacemaster Z-33, offering expanded functionality, improved durability, and enhanced visibility.

Engineered for the most extreme environments—whether the cockpit, the stratosphere, or low-Earth orbit—the 1665 is not just a timekeeper but a flight instrument on the wrist.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Analog-digital quartz multifunction

• Battery: 3V lithium (CR2320)

• Battery Life: ~24–30 months

• Functions:

  • Analog time (hours, minutes, seconds)

  • LCD digital display (high-contrast)

  • UTC and local time

  • Three programmable alarms

  • Mission Elapsed Time (MET)

  • Countdown timer

  • Perpetual calendar

  • Chronograph

  • Second time zone (T2)

• Backlight: Yes (electroluminescent, amber tone)

• Accuracy: ±10 seconds/month

• User Interface: 4 pushers + multifunction crown

• Sound Alert: High-decibel alarm (85+ dB)

What sets the Caliber 1665 apart is not just its wide range of tools, but how intuitively and efficiently they are presented. The movement is housed in titanium-cased watches designed for glove-friendly operation, night readability, and fail-proof reliability under extreme conditions.

Watches Featuring Caliber 1665

The Cal. 1665 powers two of Omega’s most advanced quartz watches:

1. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Gen 2 (ref. 3291.50)

   • Introduced in the early 2000s

   • Used by astronauts aboard the ISS and ESA crews

   • Titanium case, large digital-analog hybrid dial

   • 60-minute bidirectional bezel

2. Omega Spacemaster Z-33 (ref. 325.92.43.79.01.001)

   • Released in 2012

   • Retro-inspired case based on the 1970s Flightmaster

   • Dual LCD screens + analog hands

   • Aviation-focused software functions

   • Red backlight, titanium case, thick anti-glare crystal

Both watches are not just luxury timepieces—they’re real flight tools worn by professionals who require precise tracking of multiple time zones, mission durations, alarms, and real-time scheduling in a single instrument.

Mission-Grade Functionality

With Cal. 1665, Omega made it possible to:

• Track up to three separate alarms, each programmable

• Monitor mission elapsed time (MET) down to the second

• Run independent timers and chronographs simultaneously

• Toggle between home time, local time, and UTC

• Read time clearly in complete darkness or high glare

The movement’s electroluminescent backlight and high-decibel alarm were designed with cockpit use in mind, while its pushers and crown are engineered for quick operation, even with gloved hands or under pressure.

Service and Durability

As with all advanced Omega quartz movements, the 1665 is supported by Omega’s modern service network, though due to its complexity, it must be handled by qualified Omega technicians. LCD modules, backlights, and boards are all replaceable.

The movement’s battery-saving sleep mode helps extend battery life during long-term storage or missions.

Collector and Professional Appeal

The Caliber 1665 is valued for:

• Its NASA and ESA use credentials

• Top-tier quartz innovation in the modern era

• Its link to professional-grade horology

• Relative rarity—X-33 and Z-33 models were produced in limited numbers

Collectors often pursue full kits (box, papers, manuals) or watches with flight or military provenance.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Caliber 1665 is not just a quartz movement—it’s a mission computer. Trusted by astronauts, pilots, and aviation professionals, it blends cutting-edge quartz accuracy with functional excellence, encased in some of Omega’s boldest modern tool watches.

For those who value function over ornament—and precision over tradition—the 1665 delivers everything in one of the most robust and capable wristwatch movements ever created.