Hands-On With The New 2024 Omega Speedmaster FOiS (First Omega in Space)
Almost four years ago, we announced that Omega was discontinuing the Speedmaster FOiS (First Omega in Space) model. The watch debuted in 2012 to commemorate the first Omega chronograph worn in space on the wrist of NASA astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra during his Sigma 7 mission.
Stafford and Schirra — Image: NASA
The Speedmaster on Schirra’s wrist was a second-generation (CK2998) model with Alpha-shaped hands and a symmetrical case. After the tribute watch came out in 2012, many Speedmaster fans loved it for its slightly smaller case, Alpha hands, and, of course, “cool factor.”
“I’ve left Earth three times, and I found no place else to go. Please take care of Spaceship Earth.” — Walter Schirra
First Omega in Space
Omega already hinted on its social media channels that today would be special. And indeed, the attentive Speedmaster enthusiast should immediately recognize the date. October 3rd, 1962, was the day that an Omega watch entered space for the first time on Wally Schirra’s wrist.
It was roughly three years before the Omega Speedmaster became the official qualified chronograph for all manned space missions. In the meantime, astronaut Gordon Cooper also used his private Speedmaster CK2998 in space. Deke Slayton already had an Omega Speedmaster as well.
2012 Omega Speedmaster FOiS
The original CK2998 that Schirra wore in space has been in the Omega Museum in Bienne for a long time, and Schirra sported his 18K gold Omega Speedmaster Professional BA145.022-69.
Wally Schirra”s gold Speedmaster Professional BA145.022-69
More about Walter Schirra and his watches can be found in the interview with Chuck Maddox that I received from him at the end of 2007 but did not publish until 2019.
2024 Omega Speedmaster FOiS
Today, Omega introduces a successor to the Speedmaster FOiS. It features a straight-lug case in stainless steel, a new dial color, and the brand’s caliber 3861. The straight-lug case is similar to that of the Speedmaster Calibre 321 and slightly different from the 2012 edition. The lugs are differently shaped and finished, equal to the original straight-lug cases from the first generations. As you probably know, the first three generations shared the same case design but measured differently in diameter due to the bezel size (the first generation, CK2915, measured 38.6mm).
A gray-blue dial
The new dial color for this Omega Speedmaster FOiS is gray-blue, done by CVD (chemical vapor deposition) coating to replicate some of the original dials from the 1960s that left the factory in this specific gray-blue color. And not only has the color of the dial changed, but so has its shape.
The 2012 FOiS came out before Omega reintroduced the step dial, which is now present again in the standard Moonwatch models. Thankfully, we also find it in the new Speedmaster FOiS. And, of course, the Omega logo and wordmark are in the same shape and form as on the original CK2998 references (1959–1962).
Alpha hands
The Alpha hands on the new FOiS are filled with a coffee-tone Super-LumiNova, which works well with the gray-blue backdrop. On the sunray-finished dial, you will find the hour markers matching perfectly with the lume of the hands. The chronograph seconds hand is in a needle shape and varnished in white, while the small 12-hour and 30-minute pointers are also white to match.
Sapphire crystal, aluminum bezel
As with all Speedmaster bezel inserts from the ’60s, this one is aluminum and has the famous Dot Over Ninety on its tachymeter scale. The crystal is sapphire in the shape of a Plexiglass (Hesalite) crystal, and it has an AR coating on the underside.
Master Chronometer caliber 3861
The original Speedmaster CK2998 housed the famous 321 movement, of course. But rather than making another exclusive Speedmaster Calibre 321 variation, Omega equipped this new FOiS with the Master Chronometer-certified caliber 3861. This movement meets all of Omega’s modern requirements and withstood all the tests performed at the company’s HQ in Bienne. The 3861 has a power reserve of 50 hours, a Co-Axial escapement, a rhodium-plated finish, and nicely decorated bridges. It’s identical to the movement used in the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch models.
The movement is not visible, though, as the stainless steel case back shows the hippocampus medallion instead. It also bears the “The First Omega In Space” engraving on the top and “October 3, 1962” on the bottom. The Master Chronometer designation indicates that the watch is properly tested for water resistance to 50 meters (+10% margin). So it is indeed safe to swim with this watch; just make sure to not operate the chronograph underwater.
One watch, three variations
Omega is making this watch available in three different variations, but this only concerns the strap or bracelet option. The new Speedmaster FOiS is available with a flat-link bracelet or a leather strap in black or brown.
The flat-link bracelet has a folding clasp with an easy-extension system inside. The center links are brushed, and the outer links are polished. And just like the original CK2998, the watch has a 19mm lug spacing.
Interestingly, the Speedmaster FOiS is less expensive than the regular Moonwatch with a sapphire crystal. The prices for the new Omega Speedmaster FOiS references are as follows:
- 310.30.40.50.06.001 (steel bracelet): CHF 6,900 (excl VAT) / EU 8,700 (incl VAT) / USD 7,900 (ex VAT)
- 310.32.40.50.06.001 (black leather strap): CHF 6,600 (excl VAT) / EU 8,300 (incl VAT) / USD 7,500 (ex VAT)
- 310.32.40.50.06.002 (brown leather strap): CHF 6,600 (excl VAT) / EU 8,300 (incl VAT) / USD 7,500 (ex VAT)
This Speedmaster FOiS is not a limited edition and is available as of today. For more information, visit Omega online.
