Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series First Omega In Space Honors 1962 Mission
Omega Honors Space History with Speedmaster Anniversary Series First Omega In Space
Omega has unveiled the latest chapter in its tribute to space exploration history with the Speedmaster Anniversary Series First Omega In Space watch. According to aBlogtoWatch, this 2024 release commemorates astronaut Walter "Wally" Schirra's historic October 3, 1962 mission aboard Sigma 7, during which he wore an Omega Speedmaster — making it the first Omega watch to reach space, predating NASA's official certification of the Speedmaster for spaceflight.
The First Omega In Space (FOIS) holds a unique place in Speedmaster lore. Unlike the later Moonwatch models that became NASA-certified instruments, Schirra's Speedmaster was simply his personal watch choice for the mission. This distinction gives the FOIS a more personal, less institutional character that resonates with collectors who appreciate the watch's organic connection to space history.
Vintage-Inspired Design
The 2024 First Omega In Space features a CVD-coated blue and gray dial that replicates the tone of vintage CK 2998 watches produced in the 1960s. According to aBlogtoWatch, the sunray dial changes appearance dramatically depending on lighting conditions — appearing all-gray from some angles while revealing a dark blue base color at others. This dynamic quality captures the essence of vintage dial craftsmanship.
The hour markers and alpha hands are filled with "vintage" Super-LumiNova, creating a warm, aged appearance. While some critics refer to this as "fauxtina," Omega notes that modern colored luminescent materials have improved significantly in both brightness and duration compared to earlier generations. The result is a dial that evokes the patina of vintage watches while maintaining modern performance standards.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 39.7mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.4mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48mm |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 bar) |
| Movement | Calibre 3861 |
| Crystal | Sapphire (Hesalite-style) |
Three Configuration Options
The 2024 First Omega In Space is available in three variations, differing only in bracelet or strap choice. Reference 310.30.40.50.06.001 comes on a steel bracelet with brushed center links, weighing 133 grams total. Reference 310.32.40.50.06.001 features a black-grained calf leather strap on a pin buckle at 79 grams. Reference 310.32.40.50.06.002 offers a brown non-grained calf leather strap, also at 79 grams.
All three versions feature sapphire crystal fronts with anti-reflective treatment on the interior surface, paired with solid casebacks. The caseback displays a Seahorse medallion along with engravings reading "SPEEDMASTER," "THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE," and "OCTOBER 3, 1962" — marking the date of Schirra's historic mission.
Powered by Calibre 3861
Under the screw-down caseback lies the Omega Calibre 3861, a hand-wound chronograph movement with Co-Axial escapement. This caliber represents a significant evolution from the Calibre 1861 it replaced, introducing Master Chronometer performance standards in 2019 and wider availability in 2021.
Key improvements over the 1861 include a free-sprung balance wheel with silicon hairspring, enhanced magnetic resistance, more rigorous testing standards, and the addition of hacking seconds. According to aBlogtoWatch, approximately half of the Calibre 3861's construction is not interchangeable with the 1861, representing a substantial redesign rather than a simple upgrade. Only the premium Calibre 321, also revived in 2019, surpasses it in Omega's hand-wound chronograph hierarchy.
The Wally Schirra Connection
Walter "Wally" Schirra was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and the only astronaut to fly in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. His October 3, 1962 mission aboard Sigma 7 marked the fifth crewed American spaceflight and the first to feature live television broadcasts from orbit. Schirra chose to wear his personal Omega Speedmaster during the mission, establishing a connection between the watch brand and space exploration that would deepen over the following decade.
The Speedmaster's role in space history expanded dramatically during the Apollo program, when it became the only watch to pass NASA's rigorous testing for crewed spaceflight. But the FOIS watches remind us that the Speedmaster's space heritage began not with institutional approval, but with an astronaut's personal choice.
Availability and Pricing
The Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series First Omega In Space is priced at $7,500 USD for the leather strap versions and $7,900 USD for the steel bracelet. The watch's 39.7mm case size places it in a sweet spot that appeals to both vintage enthusiasts who appreciate smaller proportions and modern collectors who prefer versatile, everyday wearability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the "First Omega In Space" different from the Moonwatch?
The FOIS predates NASA's official certification of the Speedmaster. Astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal Speedmaster on the October 3, 1962 Sigma 7 mission, making it the first Omega watch in space. The Moonwatch designation came later when NASA officially selected the Speedmaster for crewed spaceflight.
Is the "vintage" lume actually old radium?
No. The watch uses modern Super-LumiNova with a warm, aged appearance that evokes vintage tritium dials. According to aBlogtoWatch, this "fauxtina" approach maintains modern performance standards while capturing the aesthetic character of vintage watches.
How does the 39.7mm size compare to the standard Moonwatch?
The FOIS is notably smaller than the 42mm Moonwatch, making it more suitable for smaller wrists or collectors who prefer vintage-inspired proportions. The 19mm lug width also differs from the Moonwatch's 20mm, affecting strap compatibility.
Source: According to aBlogtoWatch — Read the full article
Learn more about space watch history in our complete guide to space-qualified timepieces or explore the full history of the Omega Speedmaster.