Today, Omega reissued a new version of the Speedmaster First in Space that replicates the original 1959 design in modern form.
The first ever Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK 2915-1 was introduced in 1957. Distinguishable by the straight lugs, a sub 38 mm diameter case, a symmetrical case, a dial sans “PROFESSIONAL,” Broad Arrow hour and minute hands, and leaf subdial hands, and the caliber 321 (derived from the Lemania caliber 2310) — the CK 2915 was produced until 1959.
In 1959, the same year the CK 2915 went out of production, Omega introduced its replacement, the CK 2998, which has the same straight lugs, symmetrical case, and caliber 321 movements, though the most notable change is that it has Alpha hour and minute hands, and baton/stick subdial hands.
In 1962, the Speedmaster Ref. CK 2998 (1959) was worn as the personal wristwatch of Astronaut Walter Schirra during his Sigma 7 NASA mission (part of the Mercury program) where Schirra orbited Earth six times and earned the first Omega in space moniker.
Fast forward to 2024, and Omega has recreated a version of the pre-professional Speedmaster CK 2998 that dates back to 1959. Omega has recreated multiple versions of the CK 2998 over the years, and four new elements stand out for the 2024 model introduced today.
First, the latest model has a new domed sapphire crystal made to look like the original Hesalite, giving you the benefits of that aesthetic with the durability of sapphire which won’t scratch like plexiglass.
Second, the new First In Space Speedmaster has a gray-blue dial CVD coated, to replicate the tone of some CK 2998 watches produced in the 1960s. The lume on the markers and hands is also patinated to mimic the original.
Third, the latest variation features the company’s most advanced regular production Speedmaster movement, the now standard Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 3861 (not the original caliber 321 with column wheel and vertical clutch).
Finally, as they have with past re-editions, Omega used the “Dot Over Ninety” on the bezel (versus a dot next to ninety) and an applied vintage Omega logo on the dial.
The 2024 Omega Speedmaster “First In Space” (Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001) comes in a 39.7 mm x 13.4 mm stainless steel case with an aluminum bezel insert. The caseback features the famous Seahorse medallion and the engravings, “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”. The watch is available with a 19 mm lug width black or brown leather strap for $7,500 or a “flat links” stainless steel bracelet with Omega’s patented comfort release adjustment system for $7,900.
Each watch is delivered inside a special presentation box with a “LEGENDARY MOONWATCH” leaflet inside.
Learn more at Omega.