Diatom Watches to Exhibit at NYC Windup Fair
The independent British watchmaker will showcase its space-tested timepieces at Center 415 from October 16 to October 18, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Space
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Independent British brand Diatom Watches will display its collection at the Windup Watch Fair NYC held at Center 415. The exhibition runs from October 16 to October 18, 2026.
Why it matters
The brand distinguishes itself by integrating materials science expertise into horology, featuring watches that have undergone rigorous testing in the outer atmosphere. These timepieces incorporate authentic space-flown elements and high-precision movements developed by founders with backgrounds in materials research.
The company utilizes custom carbon-fibre craft to send watches to altitudes exceeding 120,000 feet. Each piece in the Inner Worlds series is limited to a production run of 450 units and contains Swiss ETA 2892 movements.
The players
Chris Rose
He is a co-founder of Diatom Watches and holds a PhD in materials science from the University of Sheffield.
Alex Baker
He is a co-founder of Diatom Watches and holds a PhD in materials science from the University of Sheffield.
SentIntoSpace
This organization specializes in high-altitude balloon launches and provides verification for the flight tests performed on the watches.
The details
Founded by Chris Rose and Alex Baker, both PhD graduates in materials science from the University of Sheffield, the brand authenticates its flights via SentIntoSpace. The collection includes timepieces with fragments from the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, and all flight-tested watches are delivered to customers with accompanying mission footage.
Timeline
A 2015 mission discovered microscopic diatoms in the outer atmosphere.
Diatom Watches exhibits at Windup Watch Fair NYC from October 16 to October 18, 2026.
The Big Picture
The emergence of brands like Diatom Watches signals a shift toward integrating specialized academic research into the luxury horology market. This approach follows the trend of alumni from the University of Sheffield's materials science department leveraging academic research to innovate in consumer luxury sectors.
Attendees at the Windup Watch Fair NYC can observe the specific results of high-altitude testing and the craftsmanship involved in the Inner Worlds series. This showcase provides potential collectors with the opportunity to evaluate the durability of watches exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions.
The takeaway
The intersection of space exploration and horology provides a unique benchmark for timepiece durability. Consumers interested in engineering-focused luxury goods should monitor how rigorous atmosphere testing impacts the long-term functionality of these limited-edition movements.
Further reading
For more on developments in aerospace horology, visit the Space section.
More information
Review the full collection and technical specifications on the Diatom Watches website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boca Raton Tribune.
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