Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space Review

The Omega Speedmaster has undergone several iterations since its inception in 1957. Looking back at the series' history, the second-generation Speedmaster CK2998, launched between 1959 and 1962, had a relatively short lifespan within the overall product line. Before it, there was the original Speedmaster CK2915, which laid the foundation for the series' design; and after it, there was the fourth-generation Speedmaster (ST 105.012), which accompanied the Apollo 11 moon landing mission—the renowned "moon watch." From this perspective, the CK2998 is more like a "bridging" product. However, the significance of evaluating a watch is not limited to the timepiece itself. The most important impact of the CK2998 on the Speedmaster series, and even the brand, is its reputation as "The First OMEGA in Space."

As Omega's "first space watch," the CK2998 was worn by American astronaut Walter Schirra during the Sigma 7 mission of Project Mercury in 1962. This act was entirely Walter's personal choice, not the will of NASA, or for any commercial purpose. At the time, NASA allowed astronauts to bring a small number of personal items into space, and Walter chose the Speedmaster CK2998. In fact, it wasn't until 1964 that the Speedmaster ST 105.003 participated in NASA's space watch program, and in 1965 it became standard equipment for all manned space missions.

Given the CK2998's special status as "Omega's first space watch," the brand relaunched this product line in 2012. The 2012 model (model 311.32.40.30.01.001) is equipped with the 1861 caliber movement, and the case back is engraved with the Seamaster logo and the words "THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE." Subsequently, Omega introduced the currently popular "panda dial" for the CK2998, further enriching the choices for watch enthusiasts.

As a modern timepiece, the Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space retains the essence of the original design while incorporating modern aesthetic adjustments, a common practice for most reissue watches. Compared to the 2012 CK2998 reissue, the 2024 model retains the 39.7mm diameter stainless steel case, inheriting the core dimensions of the original, but the thickness has been reduced from 14mm to 13.4mm. The tachymeter bezel is made of the same anodized aluminum as the original, and the position of the small dot next to the 90 mark is also perfectly replicated. The slightly curved domed bubble crystal has been upgraded from acrylic in the historical model to sapphire crystal, making it more robust and scratch-resistant.

Turning to the back, the inscription "OCTOBER 3, 1962" appears below the Seamaster logo, marking the date the Speedmaster first entered space. Beneath the case back lies the Omega Caliber 3861 manual-winding movement. This movement is an upgrade from the Caliber 1861, featuring a coaxial escapement, a free-sprung silicon balance spring, a weight-adjustable balance wheel, and a double-T shock absorber, along with a stop-seconds function. In terms of performance, the Omega Caliber 3861 is Master Chronometer certified, possesses 15,000 gauss antimagnetic properties, and has a daily accuracy of 0/+5 seconds. The best Omega Speedmaster replica watches at captainthewatch.is.