Revised Review: Assessment of Omega's 'First in Space' Speedmaster: A Classic Redesign with Contemporary Enhancements

The Swiss watchmaker, Omega, has unveiled its latest timepiece, the new First Omega in Space watch, in October 2024. This watch is a refined and bold update to the 2012 tribute watch, aiming to address the issues of its predecessor while paying homage to the original Omega Speedmaster CK2998 that astronaut Walter "Wally" Schirra wore during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962.

The new First Omega in Space watch boasts a 39.7mm case, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm and a case thickness of 13.4mm. The watch features a domed sapphire crystal, a movement type of manual wind, and a water resistance of 50m. It houses Omega's caliber 3861, the latest evolution of the movement that has powered Speedmasters since 2021. This movement offers resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss and has a METAS Master Chronometer certification.

The dial of the new First Omega in Space watch is CVD-coated, shifting from deep charcoal to subtle blue depending on lighting conditions. This serves as a tribute to the rare "soleil" dial CK2998 references from the 1960s. The dial features subtle concentric circle texturing on the subdials, while the white chronograph hands provide excellent contrast for timing functions.

The watch's hands are Alpha-shaped, beautifully executed with a polished finish. However, they are less legible than the white baton hands found on the Professional Moonwatch in certain lighting conditions. The indices have a faux patina treatment, adding visual warmth to the watch. Some may find this divisive, as it creates a warm coffee tone.

The new First Omega in Space watch addresses the issues with the 2012 version by adding bold touches such as a flat-link stainless steel bracelet and a blue-grey dial. The Super-LumiNova application on the watch is adequate but not exceptional. The hands glow brighter than the indices, creating some imbalance in low-light conditions.

The applied Omega logo at 12 o'clock and the Speedmaster script below are executed in period-correct style. The watch's design is reminiscent of the original CK2998 Speedmaster, featuring a symmetrical case with straight lugs, unprotected crown and pushers, and distinctive Alpha-shaped hands.

Omega honoured this momentous occasion in 2012 with the "First Omega in Space" tribute watch, but it was only available on leather straps and lacked refined details. The new First Omega in Space watch rectifies these issues, providing a more comprehensive tribute to the watch worn by astronaut Walter "Wally" Schirra during his space journey.

In 1962, Schirra launched into space on October 3rd, aboard the Sigma 7 spacecraft as part of NASA's Mercury program. Schirra wore his personal Omega Speedmaster CK2998, making it the first Omega to travel beyond Earth's atmosphere. The new First Omega in Space watch continues this legacy, offering a modern interpretation of a historic timepiece.