Experience the new 2024 Omega Speedmaster FOiS (first Omega in space)

Almost four years ago, Omega announced that it would discontinue production of its Speedmaster FOiS (First Omega in Space) model. The watch debuted in 2012 to commemorate the first Omega chronograph worn on the wrist of NASA astronaut Walter “Wally” Schiller in space during the Sigma 7 mission.

The Speedmaster on Schiller’s wrist was a second generation (CK2998) model with alpha-shaped hands and a symmetrical case. Since this tribute watch was released in 2012, many Speedmaster fans have loved it for its slightly smaller case, Alpha hands, and of course, the “cool factor.”

“I’ve left Earth three times and found nowhere else to go. Thank you, Spaceship Earth.” — Walter Schiller

first omega in space

Omega has already hinted on its social media channels that today will be a special day. And indeed, an observant Speedmaster enthusiast will be able to tell the date right away. October 3, 1962 was the day the first Omega watch was launched into space on the wrist of Wally Schirra.

It took approximately three years for the Omega Speedmaster to become the official certified chronograph for all manned space missions. Meanwhile, astronaut Gordon Cooper was also using his personal Speedmaster CK2998 in space. Deke Slayton already owned an Omega Speedmaster.

2012 Omega Speedmaster FOiS

The original CK2998 that Mr. Sylla wore in space has long been in the Omega Museum in Bienne, and Mr. Sylla wore an 18K gold Omega Speedmaster Professional BA145.022-69.

Wally Schiller Gold Speedmaster Professional BA145.022-69

More information about Walter Schiller and his watches can be found in an interview with Chuck Maddox that I received from him in late 2007, but was not published until 2019.

2024 Omega Speedmaster FOiS

Today, Omega announces the successor to the Speedmaster FOiS. It features a stainless steel straight-lug case, a new dial color, and the brand’s caliber 3861. The straight lug case is similar to the Speedmaster Caliber 321, but slightly different from the 2012 edition. The shape and finish of the lugs are different and similar to the original straight lug case of the first generation. As you may know, the first three generations shared the same case design, but had different diameters depending on the bezel size (38.6 mm for the original CK2915).

gray blue dial

The new dial color of this Omega Speedmaster FOiS is grey-blue and has been coated with CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) to partially replicate the original dial from the 1960s that left the factory in this particular grey-blue color. It is done by. Not only the color of the dial, but also the shape has changed.

The 2012 FOiS came before Omega reintroduced the stepped dial. The step dial is now back on the standard model of the Moonwatch. Thankfully, the new Speedmaster FOiS also has this feature. And of course, the Omega logo and wordmark are in the same shape as the original CK2998 reference (1959-1962).

alpha hand

The new FOiS Alpha hands are coated with coffee-tone Super-LumiNova, which blends well with the grey-blue background. The sunray-finished dial features hour markers that perfectly match the luminescent hands. The chronograph seconds hand is needle-shaped and has a white varnish finish, and the small 12-hour and 30-minute hands are white to match.

Sapphire crystal, aluminum bezel

Like all Speedmaster bezel inserts from the ’60s, this one is also made of aluminum and has the famous dot-over-ninety tachymeter scale. The crystal is sapphire in the form of a Plexiglas (Hesalite) crystal with an AR coating on the underside.

Master Chronometer Caliber 3861

The original Speedmaster CK2998 was, of course, equipped with the famous 321 movement. But rather than create another exclusive Speedmaster Caliber 321 variant, Omega has equipped this new FOiS with the Master Chronometer-certified Caliber 3861. This movement meets all Omega’s modern requirements and withstood all tests carried out at its headquarters in Bienne. The 3861 features a 50-hour power reserve, co-axial escapement, rhodium-plated finish, and beautifully decorated bridges. It is the same movement used in the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch model.

However, the movement is not visible as the stainless steel case back displays a hippocampal medallion instead. It is also stamped “The First Omega In Space” on the top and “October 3, 1962” on the bottom. The Master Chronometer designation indicates that the watch has been properly tested for water resistance up to 50 meters (+10% margin). Therefore, it is certainly safe to swim with this watch. Be careful not to operate the chronograph underwater.

Three variations in one watch

Omega offers this watch in three different variations, but this only concerns the strap or bracelet options. The new Speedmaster FOiS is available with a flat-link bracelet or a black or brown leather strap.

The flat link bracelet has a folding clasp with an easy internal extension system. The center link has a brushed finish and the outer links have a polished finish. Like the original CK2998, this watch has 19 mm lug spacing.

Interestingly, the Speedmaster FOiS is cheaper than a regular Moonwatch with a sapphire crystal. Prices for the new Omega Speedmaster FOiS Reference are:

310.30.40.50.06.001 (steel bracelet): CHF 6,900 (excluding VAT) / EU 8,700 (incl. VAT) / USD 7,900 (excluding VAT) 310.32.40.50.06.001 (black leather strap): CHF 6,600 (excluding VAT) ) / EU 8,300 (excl. tax) / USD 7,500 (excl. tax) 310.32.40.50.06.002 (brown leather strap): CHF 6,600 (excl. tax) / EU 8,300 (excl. tax) / USD 7,500 (excl. tax)

This Speedmaster FOiS is not a limited edition and is available starting today. Visit Omega online for more information.

Watch specifications