Sunday Morning Showdown: Omega Speedmaster FOiS Gen. 1 Vs. FOiS Gen. 2

It’s Sunday morning, and you all know what that means. Yes, it’s time for a cup of coffee and another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown! This week’s battle is all about the First Omega in Space. The big question is: which one do you like better? Jorg will make a case for the first-generation Speedmaster FOiS (ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001), while Mike picked the recently released second-generation Speedmaster FOiS (ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001). It will be interesting because these watches are different in many ways. Ultimately, your vote will help determine the victor in this battle of the First Omega in Space models.

The first-generation Speedmaster First Omega in Space (FOiS) is a special watch for many Speedmaster fans. Some enjoyed it as an affordable entry into the world of Speedmasters. For others, that straight-lugged Speedmaster hinted back at the first four generations of Speedmasters with similar cases. Whatever their reason, people loved the watch. However, after eight years of production, Omega discontinued the FOiS in 2020. Four years later, the FOiS has returned. Less than two weeks ago, Omega introduced a new version of the Speedmaster First Omega in Space. It’s an updated take on the watch, and as you’d expect, it comes at a higher price. It sparked a lot of discussion among enthusiasts. In today’s battle, Mike and Jorg take that discussion to (digital) paper, and you can decide which of the two should come out on top.

Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

Before handing it over to Mike and Jorg, let’s take a quick look at last week’s Sunday Morning Showdown. In a battle of the full-gold sports watches with integrated bracelets, we saw the Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus comfortably triumph, bringing in 62% of the votes against the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm with 38%. While a win for the Antarctique is not surprising, the margin with which it took the victory was rather remarkable. The comments nicely showed the nuance of the discussion. It’s not that people do not like the Laureato. Rather, there is simply a greater love for the Antarctique.  It resulted in a comfortable win for the Mount Erebus version in rose gold. Will one of this week’s contenders have a comfortable win as well? Let’s head over to Mike and Jorg to make their cases!

Jorg: Omega Speedmaster FOiS ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001

I will be upfront with you, Mike. Sometimes, in these battles, it’s hard to take sides. Let me start by saying that I love Speedmasters with straight-lug cases. I just adore those cases’ no-fuss look. That’s not to say that I’d want to buy every version, but as you can see from this past Friday’s Top 5 list, quite a few are brilliant. So when picking one of these FOiS models over the other, it’s all about the details for me rather than completely dismissing one or the other.

I have always loved the first-generation Speedmaster First Omega in Space for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it was a great way to get a straight-lugged Speedmaster with a slightly smaller case than the 42mm Moonwatch. There is something special about that look that will cost you an arm and a leg if you are chasing the original CK2998 that inspired this watch or one of the other early references with a straight-lug case, for that matter. The 39.7mm case, with its 13.5mm thickness and 47mm lug-to-lug, is a little more straightforward than the Moonwatch case, and I love that. The slightly smaller dimensions make it a great fit for many watch fans.

Keeping the vintage character of the CK2998

The case is combined with classic alpha hands that give the watch character. A nice detail is that the small seconds counter at 9 o’clock also has an alpha hand to match the central hour and minute hands, indicating the main time-telling trio. The central chronograph hand and the smaller hands for the chronograph counters are executed in white, indicating their chronograph function. It’s a split you most likely won’t see on the vintage CK2998 models.

Other differences compared to the original CK2998 are the sapphire crystal and the modern case back that features the unique production number of each watch. As Robert-Jan explained, these two features were a slight turn-off for hardcore Speedmaster collectors. Having said that, the first adds great daily practicality. It’s the everlasting discussion about being historically correct versus offering a modern timepiece that sufficiently captures the spirit of the vintage model.

The faithful caliber 1861

And that is what the first-generation Speedmaster FOiS does perfectly. Apart from the sapphire crystal and the modern case back, it is a great modern version of the CK2998. Inside the case, you will find Omega’s caliber 1861, which also powered the Moonwatch from 1996 until 2020 before the Master Chronometer caliber 3861 replaced it. The 1861 is a tried-and-true movement that found its place in Speedmaster history as a brilliant successor to the caliber 861.

I’m not just here to repeat facts you already know, Mike. But painting this picture of the previous-generation Speedmaster FOiS is important in understanding why I prefer it over the new version. As I just said, the first model is the perfect modern version of the classic CK2998. It captures the vintage spirit of the original watch perfectly while adding some modern details for practicality. And that’s what it should be in my opinion. Robert-Jan and I have often talked about why we love the Speedy so much. What it mostly comes down to is that it’s the ultimate tool watch. History has proven that multiple times, as we all know.

Why I like the first-generation FOiS over the new model

As a fan of the first FOiS, I get the feeling of that ultimate tool watch. It’s not trying to be anything other than a modern version of that classic. With the new Speedmaster FOiS, I feel it’s trying to be something it is not. While I love the watch’s looks, it does something more extravagant than simply capturing the original’s utilitarian spirit. The dark gray-blue dial looks stunning and was modeled after existing vintage “soleil” dials, but I am not looking for a fancy sunburst dial on my FOiS. The same goes for the vintage-inspired lume. While I adore the combination of blue and cream hues on the dial, it’s mimicking something that it doesn’t need to.

But I also understand that times have changed for Omega. If the brand had made it a modern version of the first generation with a black dial and standard lume, it might be an awkward option stuck between the Speedmaster Calibre 321 “Ed White” and the current Moonwatch. On top of that, we have seen many Speedmaster introductions that take a step away from the classic Speedmaster references. The brand has introduced versions that turned the Speedmaster into a contemporary luxury watch. I certainly do not have problems with that, and I love quite a few of them, including the new FOiS. It probably is my favorite out of all of them. But I still prefer that classic Speedy look if given the choice.

The first-generation Speedmaster FOiS saves you money

With an €8,700 price, the new FOiS fits perfectly between the Hesalite Moonwatch and the double-sapphire Moonwatch. Therefore, I can’t criticize it. However, you can get a first-generation FOiS for roughly €4.5K–6.5K, saving you quite a bit of money. Combine that with the looks that I prefer, and it’s an easy choice for me. Get a flat-link bracelet to mix it up with the brown leather strap it came on originally, and you’re good to go. But I’ll gladly hand it over to you, Mike, to explain why the new model is the better of the two.

Mike: Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001

Thanks for the compelling arguments about the original FOiS, Jorg. The first edition is a modern option commanding a lower price than the newest model. It’s a reliable, well-made, and nicely sized watch. However, I recall when the FOiS debuted, and it was during the height of my Speedy-buying frenzy. For several reasons, it left me cold and still does. I’ve never gotten over the sapphire crystal and stark white lume on what looks to me like a vintage hodgepodge. What was that watch? Yes, we know what it was meant to celebrate, and I applaud Omega’s gallant attempt at trying something different. Nevertheless, the watch felt confusing to me. Was it trying to be vintage or modern?

Enter the latest FOiS

The latest Omega Speedmaster FOiS may not be 100% perfect, but it’s a massive step forward compared to its predecessor. Yes, this is a more expensive watch now, but I think Omega is making it worthwhile. The sapphire crystal remains and is the only nit I have to pick with the watch. Otherwise, this Speedy has a step dial, mightily upping the finishing quotient. Some find the sunburst dial polarizing, but I think it looks nice, and as someone who has held an “Ed White” with a similar dial, it should be drop-dead gorgeous in real life.

Aged lume

Omega opted for aged Super-LumiNova on the new FOiS, and I think it was a good choice. If this isn’t up your alley, I get it. Some folks don’t like the artificially aged look, but I think it adds beneficial warmth to what would otherwise be a cold dial. While manufacturers have figured out how to make sapphire crystals more like acrylic, the darkened lume helps distract from any remaining differences. I also believe that the aged look helps separate this watch from the standard Speedmaster Professional. It’s also either darker or more concentrated than a watch with a similar (albeit not the same) case, the Speedmaster Calibre 321.

Worthy upgrades to the movement and bracelet

I’m a big fan of the 3861 movement, and it’s a great move from Omega to add it to the new FOiS. I don’t know if there was a temptation to use an automatic caliber, but I’m glad the METAS-certified hand-winding option was chosen. This is a great movement with at least 50 hours of power reserve (I’ve nudged 60 hours in mine) and fantastic accuracy. It’s a nice upgrade over the old 1861. Then, there’s the bracelet. For Speedmaster models, Omega has upped its game in a big way. If I think about how chunky the flat-link bracelet is on my straight-lug Speedmaster 60th Anniversary, this looks like it’s from another galaxy. The bracelet is thin, articulates well, and even has a push-button micro-adjustment mechanism. This makes wearing the 39.7mm FOiS a dream. It’s a truly competitive bracelet that’s a game changer versus the prior model, which only came on a leather strap.

Prices are higher, but it’s also 2024

The original FOiS was and remains much less expensive than the newest rendition. The latest model has a retail price of €8,700 on the bracelet. That’s not inexpensive, but Omega has added enough high-quality details to quantify a higher price versus the old model. Plus, like it or not, it’s 2024, and watches are significantly more expensive than in the past. The good thing is that this watch isn’t a limited or special edition. It’s part of the main catalog, so prospective buyers can ponder the choice, and if they do ultimately partake in one of these watches, they’ll get a generous upgrade compared to the previous version.

Time to vote

Now it’s time for you to tell us which FOiS is right for you. Do you like the original model with its white lume and more rudimentary dial? Or do you like the more luxurious and more expensive new version? You won’t go wrong with either, so cast your vote, and let us know why you chose the FOiS you did.