Omega: Speedmaster Anniversary First OMEGA In Space

It’s finally back! After a few years of absence from the Maison’s catalogue, the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” makes its grand return.

THE RETURN OF A LEGEND

During the Sigma 7 mission in 1962, astronaut Walter Schirra took OMEGA into space for the first time. During this pivotal flight, which lasted 9 hours, 13 minutes and 11 seconds, Schirra orbited the Earth six times, establishing the Speedmaster as an essential instrument in space exploration.

Now this legendary Speedmaster is back, reimagined for a new generation. A tribute to the original featuring the “Dot Over Ninety” and vintage OMEGA logo, with a new sapphire crystal that recreates the classic domed shape of the 1962 model.

THE NEW SPEEDMASTER FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE

The famous watch, originally identified by its reference number, CK 2998, was first released in 1959, and represented the 2nd generation of the Speedmaster family. It was distinguished by its slender Alpha hands, symmetrical case, and dark bezel, which all differed from the earliest Speedmaster model that was released in 1957. These details clearly caught the attention of NASA astronaut, Walter “Wally” Schirra, who purchased the model as his own personal watch and wore it on the Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury program, which launched on October 3rd, 1962.

Since then, the CK 2998 has enjoyed a strong following amongst the most admiring watch enthusiasts and Speedmaster fans around the world. This year’s updated models follow that same 2nd generation style from 1959, each with a symmetrical 39.70 mm case in polished-brushed stainless steel. 

The dark bezel ring has been produced in black aluminium, and features the Speedmaster’s essential tachymeter scale, including the “Dot Over Ninety” that is synonymous with the earliestSpeedmastermodels. 

Beneath the brand new hesalite-like form sapphire crystal, OMEGA has included a CVD-coated dial in a grey-blue colour, replicating the tone of some CK 2998 watches produced in the 1960s. Along with hour markers and hour/minute Alpha hands that are filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, the central seconds “Baton” hand is white varnished to match the transferred markings. 

In keeping with OMEGA’s brand heritage, the watch features two vintage OMEGA logos, including one on the dial, and another on the crown. The historical celebration then continues on the caseback, where OMEGA has integrated a Seahorse medallion, and the engravings, “SPEEDMASTER”, “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”. 

Of course, just like rocket ship technology, innovation has dramatically moved forward since the 1960s. To give this collection a noticeable engine upgrade, each watch is driven by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Not only is this the latest evolution of the Calibre 321 that powered the original models, but it offers today’s highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic- resistance. 

Customers have the choice of three new models. ‘The First OMEGA in Space’ can be selected on a black or brown leather strap with a buckle (€. 8,400), or on a full metal bracelet with “flat links” and OMEGA’s patented comfort release adjustment system (€. 8,800). 

Each watch is delivered inside a special presentation box that includes an exclusive LEGENDARY MOONWATCH leaflet inside.