A delight to watch enthusiasts – one of the most iconic OMEGA watches, famously known as ‘The First Omega in Space’, is finally back, with a modern upgrade to boot. This reimagined timepiece, equipped with a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, pays homage to its historic roots of space exploration while embracing contemporary design elements. The watch features a hesalite-like form sapphire crystal and the reliability of METAS certification.
Originally referred to as the CK 2998, the watch was first released in 1959. It is a 2nd generation Speedmaster, and its sleek Alpha hands, symmetrical case, and dark bezel set it apart from its predecessor, the first 1957 Speedmaster. These distinctive features caught the attention of Walter “Wally” Schirra, a NASA astronaut who bought the CK 2998 as his own personal timepiece. The astronaut wore the watch on the Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury program – launched on October 3rd, 1962 – and that is how the CK 2998 earned its legendary status as “The First OMEGA in Space,” cementing Omega’s legacy in the annals of space exploration. This astounding achievement has caused the CK 2998 to garner a dedicated fanbase, and now in the year 2024, the watch makes its grand return.
The new models maintain the same style as the 1959 watch, featuring a symmetrical 39.70 mm polished-brushed stainless steel case. The bezel ring is dark and made of black aluminium, the colour giving the watch a sleek visual. On it is the Speedmaster’s essential tachymetre scale including the ‘Dot Over Ninety’ that can also be found in the earliest Speedmaster models.
The dial, resting underneath the sapphire crystal, is coated in CVD and boasts a sophisticated grey-blue colour. The tone is reminiscent of some CK 2998 models from the 1960s. Additionally, the dial boasts hour markers and hour/minute Alpha hands filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimal visibility in low-light conditions by giving it a nice glow. The central seconds “Baton” hand is white varnished, complementing the transferred markings on the dial.
The watch features two vintage OMEGA logos to honour the brand’s heritage. The first is placed on the dial, and the second – on the crown. To commemorate the historical achievement of the CK 2998, OMEGA has incorporated a Seahorse medallion onto the caseback, along with three significant engravings. The engravings are “SPEEDMASTER,” “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE,” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”, a proud testament to the watch’s glory.
Though the design of the latest models keeps the vintage feel from the 1960s, the technology and engine used are not – resulting in a noticeably better performance. The original watches were powered by the Calibre 321, and in recent years, the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 was introduced as the latest evolution. This Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 is the movement powering the latest models, offering high precision, performance as well as magnetic resistance.
There are three new models of ‘The First Omega in Space’ to choose from. The timepiece is available with either a black or brown leather strap featuring a buckle, or a sleek metal bracelet with “flat links” and Omega’s patented comfort release adjustment system. Each watch comes beautifully packaged in a special presentation box, accompanied by an exclusive “LEGENDARY MOONWATCH” leaflet.
For more information, visit OMEGA Watches.