Interesting new release from Omega. This is a re-edition of the first omega in space, the CK 2998 released in 1959, but now updated with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: the return of the Omega Speedmaster “The First Omega in Space”
The Omega Speedmaster “The First Omega in Space” Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001 with stainless steel bracelet retails at SGD 11,450. The other two versions, Ref. 310.32.40.50.06.001 and 310.32.40.50.06.002 in straps retail at SGD 10,950. Prices are inclusive of GST.
Commentary
Interesting new release, and not the first time Omega has cashed in on one of their most successful models – the Moonwatch. On Oct 3, 1962, astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra was on board the Mercury-Atlas 8 wearing the Omega CK 2998. It was Wally’s own personal watch which he bought himself. This was prior to the NASA qualification for the Moonwatch, which was granted in 1965, and worn by the Apollo 11 crew on the Moon. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. Armstrong’s Speedmaster was already known to be a ST105.012 with the serial number 24002981.
In 2012, Omega released a special edition of the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001 , which was discontinued in 2021. And over the weekend, Omega released another edition of the First Omega in Space, right on the dot on Oct 3, 2024. This is our novelty for the day. And is loaded with nostalgic vintage touches and an up to date Omega movement.
The movement is now the Cal, 3861, which is Omega’s latest offering for a Co-axial Master Chronometer chronograph. This movement is the latest evolution of the original Cal. 321 with modern updates. As usual, the case back is closed and the movement is not visible. The engraving on the case back carries the usual Omega FOiS verbiage and the date of Wally’s flight with the first CK 2998.
The latest First Omega in Space comes in three references, but is actually only one watch. The first reference is the watch in steel bracelet, and the other two are options of either a black or brown leather strap.
What is also interesting of this novelty is the dial colour, which is a CVD coated grey-blue clour, replicating the tone of some CK 2998 watches which were made in the 1960s. The dial is quite dark, almost black, though not quite as it has a lighter grey tone with an overtone of blue.
The usual vintage details remain, including the “Dot over Nighty” on the bezel which is a nod to the early Speedmasters. And the crystal is sapphire, but looks like hesalite as a further nod to the material used in the original watches.
Overall an interesting release from Omega, keeping the space exploration theme alive. Pricing wise, it has kept abreast with the industry and retail pricing has continued its march upwards. As noted, this novelty is proposed at an RRP of about SGD 11.5k.
Release details
One of OMEGA’s most iconic and sought-after timepieces has returned to production – now with a modern Co-Axial Master Chronometer update. Known as ‘The First OMEGA in Space’, the design is a tribute to the brand’s space exploration history. It combines a variety of heritage-inspired details, such as hesalite-like form sapphire crystal, along with the assured quality of METAS certification.
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. In that moment, the CK 2998 earned its nickname, ‘The First OMEGA in Space’, and sparked the legacy of space exploration for which OMEGA is still famous for today.
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 earliest Speedmaster models.
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, or on a full metal bracelet with “flat links” and OMEGA’s patented comfort release adjustment system.
Each watch is delivered inside a special presentation box that includes an exclusive LEGENDARY MOONWATCH leaflet inside.
