This Radical Wrist-Bound Computer Upends the Space Watch Universe

Space-themed timepieces have always drawn a particular kind of enthusiast. If you’ve long admired the legacy of the Omega Speedmaster or experimented with newer releases like the IWC Polaris Dawn, the Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch will shake up every preconceived notion you have about watches that pay homage to space exploration.

A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of the Apollo Era

While countless designs revolve around famous astronauts, this creation is instead dedicated to the men and women who made spaceflight possible behind the scenes. Inspired by the Apollo Guidance Computer’s “Display Keyboard” (DSKY), the Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch is a 4:6:1 scale recreation of the command interface that steered NASA’s legendary Apollo missions to the moon. It’s not just about commemorating heroes in spacesuits; it’s about paying homage to brilliant engineers and pioneering programmers who turned science fiction into reality.

Authentic Apollo Software Under the Hood

This piece isn’t just an aesthetically pleasing callback. Deep inside, it runs an open-source code partially based on the original Apollo software developed by Margaret Hamilton’s team at MIT. So, unlike other space-themed watches that simply look the part, the DSKY Moonwatch lets you recreate and input historically accurate commands from the Apollo flight routine. By hooking it up to a PC-based simulator, you can run the exact procedures used by legendary moonwalkers.

Original Operations Included

• GPS-driven P66 landing routine
• V35 lights and display test
• Power-down and standby routines

The result? A mini-spacecraft console strapped to your wrist, ready for your personal deep dive into orbital maneuvers—minus the zero-gravity training.

Created for Tinkerers and Code Enthusiasts

A micro-USB port on the back allows you to charge the watch, but that’s just the beginning. It also opens the door to uploading your own code, effectively transforming this watch into a handheld development platform. Whether you’re a software developer, electronics hobbyist, or an old-school dreamer longing to emulate the Apollo spirit, the DSKY Moonwatch offers a playground for your experiments.

Expansion with Future-Proofing

There’s a proprietary I/O port for upcoming add-ons like breadboard interfaces, development enclosures, and even robotic systems. The company is teasing future circuit board designs you can slot inside the case to further customize your experience.

Built Like a Piece of Aerospace Hardware

The Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch is constructed from billet 316L stainless steel, lending it a reassuring heft and durability on the wrist. At 38.1 x 44.2 x 13.05 mm, it’s in the same size ballpark as icons like the Apple Watch Ultra or Tag Heuer Monaco. Its micro-OLED display ensures crisp readouts of time, date, and crucial data, while custom LED color filters mimic the warmer incandescent glow of the original Apollo consoles.

Not Just for Show

• Tactile micro switches lie beneath hermetically sealed keycaps, echoing the robust design made for gloved astronauts.
• Integrated GPS locks in your timezone automatically.
• Handy navigation features like waypoint and spot-fix for your terrestrial wanderings.
• Timer, alarm, and stopwatch modes keep it functional when you’re not pretending to land on the Sea of Tranquility.

Securing Your DSKY Moonwatch

Pre-orders are open, with a deposit of £240 (about $302). The remaining £409 (about $515) is due before shipping. Apollo Instruments is targeting Q1 2025 to begin deliveries. Though they haven’t declared it a limited edition, expect a trickle of production that should keep it rare on the collector’s circuit.

Opinion: Why This Watch Matters

Some might dismiss this as a niche toy for hardcore space geeks. But that sells it short. It’s a wearable demonstration of human ingenuity—a testament to the days when we had to invent ways to take humans to the moon with less computing power than a modern smartphone. The Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch isn’t merely about wearing a piece of history; it’s about interacting with it, controlling it, and seeing firsthand just how groundbreaking (and at times, charmingly simple) those early spaceflight systems were.

For anyone who’s fascinated by the unsung challenges of deep-space navigation and the brilliance of early coding, this little wrist-computer is more than a gadget. It’s an invitation to step into the shoes of the aerospace engineers who made the impossible possible. You’ll leave behind the typical “big name” lunar watch prestige and instead gain an intimate connection to one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century—all while telling time, of course.

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Pros

1. Authentic Engineering Heritage – Its design is a faithful 4:6:1 scale model of the Apollo Guidance Computer’s DSKY interface, appealing to those who value genuine spaceflight history.
2. Open-Source Software – The watch runs code partially based on original Apollo software, encouraging further tinkering and customization.
3. Robust Construction – With a billet 316L stainless steel case, tactile micro switches, and hermetically sealed keycaps, it’s built like a genuine aerospace component.
4. Integrated GPS – Automatic timezone adjustment, waypoint tracking, and spot-fix navigation add practical everyday and adventure-friendly functionality.
5. Versatile I/O Port – The included proprietary port allows for future expansions such as breadboard interfaces, development enclosures, and even robotic systems.

Cons

1. High Price Point – Combining the deposit and final payment puts it beyond what casual buyers may be willing to spend on a novelty watch.
2. Uncertain Delivery Timeline – While Q1 2025 is the target, exact shipping dates haven’t been confirmed.
3. Niche Appeal – The specialized design and Apollo-era aesthetic might be too technical for those seeking a more traditional space-themed watch.
4. Potential Learning Curve – Inputting code or connecting to a simulator can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with programming or historical spacecraft systems.
5. Unknown Long-Term Updates – Future expansions, while promising, depend on Apollo Instruments continuing to support the product’s ecosystem.

Verdict
The Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch stands out as a highly specialized and interactive tribute to the unsung technology that powered the Apollo missions. It’s engineered for spaceflight history buffs and tech enthusiasts who want more than just another NASA-inspired aesthetic on their wrist. While its price, niche appeal, and uncertain delivery window may not suit mainstream collectors, those seeking a unique and genuinely immersive piece of space history will likely find the DSKY Moonwatch worth the investment.

£649

If the Apollo Instruments DSKY Moonwatch feels too technical or niche, the OMEGA x Swatch Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase Moonswatch offers an equally captivating yet more accessible alternative. This limited-edition timepiece brings together Swatch’s playful ingenuity and Omega’s iconic heritage, delivering a celestial-inspired design infused with practicality. Featuring a striking blue Bioceramic case, moon phase complication, and luminescent details, this $310 chronograph is perfect for those who want a stylish, cosmic tribute without diving into coding or simulations. Its sustainable materials, pulsometer scale, and comfortable blue VELCRO® strap make it a versatile and eye-catching choice for everyday wear.