First Omega in Space
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. Since then,the CK 2998 has enjoyed a strong following amongst the most admiring watch enthusiasts and Speedmaster fans around the world.
Technical Specifications:
The case, in polished and brushed stainless steel, measures 39.7mm x 48mm x 13.4mm. It has a Hesalite‑like shaped sapphire crystal with AR-coating and engraved caseback with Seahorse medallion and the wording, “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”. It is water resistant to 50 meters. The bezel ring is done in black aluminium and includes the legendary tachymeter scale with an emblematic “Dot Over Ninety”.
Movement is the Swiss manual-wind Omega (base Lemania 1873) Co-Axial caliber 3861 with 26 jewels, 21,600 vph and a power reserve of 50 hours. The caliber 3861 is the most up-to-date version of the Calibre 321 worn by astronauts in space. It is certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS, resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 Gauss. Free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring. Rhodium-plated finish, bridges with straight Geneva waves.
Grey-blue dial, CVD coated (replicating the tone of some CK 2998 watches produced in the 1960s). Vintage SuperLuminova on the Alpha hands and indices. Central seconds “baton” hand is white varnished to match the transferred markings. Subdials include a 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour recorder at 6 o’clock, and a small-seconds display at 9 o’clock. Vintage Omega logo.
It comes on a 19mm “flat-links” stainless steel bracelet with patented comfort release adjustment system, or on a black or brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle.
It is delivered inside a special presentation box with a “LEGENDARY MOONWATCH” leaflet inside.
MSRP is $7,900.
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