Omnitrix
The alien watch that lets one boy turn into other species.
The Omnitrix is a high-tech extraterrestrial device shaped like a wristwatch and the centre of the Ben 10 franchise. Created by the Galvan Azmuth, it holds the DNA of alien species and lets its wearer transform into them. At first it offers ten alien forms, and over time Ben unlocks more; in Alien Force Azmuth says it contains the DNA of 1,000,910 sentient species.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Azmuth
- Primary wielder
- Ben Tennyson
- Core function
- Alien DNA transformation
Lore & Background
The Omnitrix Ben finds as a ten-year-old is a prototype that attaches itself to his wrist. A feature called Master Control lets him switch between forms without time limits. In the film Secret of the Omnitrix the device is accidentally set to self-destruct, and Ben has to find Azmuth to stop it. At the end of Alien Force Ben destroys the prototype to keep it from Vilgax and takes the Ultimatrix from Albedo instead; at the end of Ultimate Alien Azmuth gives him the completed Omnitrix.
Reader's Guide
The Omnitrix normally gives Ben a set of ten aliens at a time. The live-action film Race Against Time states that it lets him stay in an alien form for only ten minutes, as a fail-safe that keeps the form from overwhelming his human self. In Alien Force the new Omnitrix also works as a Plumber's badge: a communicator, a detector of other badges, a translator of alien languages and a key to the Extranet.
Did You Know?
- In the original series Azmuth is said to have invented the Omnitrix so that the beings of the universe could understand each other better.
- Ben's transformations number 1,000,912 in all, but the watch usually offers them ten at a time.
- The Omnitrix was meant for Max Tennyson: Xylene, who was bringing it to Earth, intended to send it to him for safekeeping, and Ben received it by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Omnitrix?
This bio-synthetic watch was built by Azmuth to store genetic samples from countless worlds. It grants the wearer the ability to change into specific alien species with unique powers for a limited time.
Who invented the device and what was its goal?
The intergalactic scientist designed it to encourage peace by allowing beings to understand each other through shared experiences. Ben Tennyson became its accidental user when he strapped it on during his childhood summer trip.
How does Ben access different alien forms?
Users select a form from the internal database, which then rewrites their DNA to match that alien species temporarily.
Why is this artifact so critical to the story?
It acts as the primary source of power that enables the protagonist to defend Earth from cosmic threats alone. The entire narrative revolves around how Ben learns to wield this immense responsibility responsibly.
More in Powers & Artifacts
Elsewhere in Ben 10
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced