Introducing Bringing Back the ‘First Omega In Space' Speedmaster for the New Generation

The Omega Speedmaster, famously known as the "Moonwatch," earned its place in history during the American astronaut Walter Schirra's groundbreaking Sigma 7 mission in 1962. As Schirra orbited Earth six times in a pivotal 9-hour flight, the Speedmaster became the first OMEGA watch in space. This achievement laid the groundwork for NASA’s official certification of the Speedmaster for all manned missions, cementing Omega’s essential role in space exploration history.

The Speedmaster is one of the most iconic chronographs ever created, evolving over the years into a vast collection featuring special releases like the Apollo 8 edition and versions with various dials and materials. However 4 years ago, Omega discontinued the First Omega in Space (FOiS), a model introduced in 2012 to commemorate the first Omega chronograph worn in space. Drawing inspiration from the original CK-2998 model, Omega has now introduced the Speedmaster Anniversary Series, a reimagined timepiece designed for a new generation of watch enthusiasts while paying homage to its legendary heritage.

The stainless steel case features a mix of polished and brushed finishes, measuring 39.7mm in diameter, 13.4mm in thickness, and a 48mm lug-to-lug distance, with straight lugs. The case is equipped with a sapphire crystal that mimics the Hesalite-like domed form, capturing the charm of the original 1962 model with a tachymeter scale on the bezel. On the closed caseback, the engraving reads "THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE" along with the mission date "OCTOBER 3, 1962," encircling a Seahorse motif.

The sunray gray-blue dial features indexes and Alpha-style hour and minute hands filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, echoing the original's luminescence. It includes a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and a small seconds display at 9 o'clock with a newly designed Alpha-style hand for easy reading, complemented by a vintage OMEGA logo.

The watch is powered by the in-house manual-winding Calibre 3861, a chronograph movement with a Co-Axial escapement. Certified as a Master Chronometer, the Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space meets METAS standards, offering resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. It features a free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring, while rhodium-plated finishes and straight Geneva waves enhance its elegance. It operates at 21,600 vph (3Hz), and offers 50 hours of power reserve. 

The watch is available with a sporty stainless steel bracelet, priced at CHF 7,500 / AED 32,400, or with a choice of black or brown leather straps for CHF 7,100 / AED 30,650.

For more information you can visit Omega’s official website.