The modern Speedmaster so-called First Omega in Space (FOiS) was discontinued in 2020 after 8 years in production. The watch, prized by enthusiasts for its smaller 39.7mm, was a nod to the second generation of the Speedmaster, the CK 2998, released in 1959, just two years after the watch made its debut. The watch earned its nickname for being the first Omega to be worn in space on the wrist of Walter “Wally” Schirra during the Mercury-Atlas 8 program within the Sigma 7, which would orbit the earth six times in 1962. This week, Omega is bringing the FOiS back with a new Speedmaster equipped with a METAS certified caliber 3861, and a rather beautiful deep blue dial.
Given the original’s popularity, it’s no great surprise to see this watch make a return, and Omega have gone about in a thoughtful manner. Most importantly, they have retained the 39.7mm case with a straight lug design, the watch’s most defining feature. What is different here are welcome changes, notably in the use of the caliber 3861, a METAS certified hand wound chronograph movement also found in the Moonwatch collection. The biggest change, however, is the color of the dial, which has taken on a deep blue hue that plays beautifully against the warm hour markers. In total, the look is decidedly more old-school at a glance than the original FOiS.
The decision to go with this dial configuration leans into a trend that’s been waning in recent years, creating a faux patina with the use of brown and orange colored lume to create an artificially aged look. Omega has always had a knack for this kind of design, and this might be the finest example yet, if slightly on the nose. It should be noted as an intentional design decision, and while handsome, some prefer a watch that will age naturally in time rather than come that way out of the box.
The dial itself is CVD-coated gray-blue meant to replicate the tone of some of the production examples of the CK 2998. It appears to be rather subtle, and will likely read as black in many conditions. There is a sunray finish that’s been applied as well so it will have a dynamic appearance depending on the lighting conditions and viewing angle. The look is tied together through a set of alpha hands that set this Speedmaster apart from others at a glance.
The new FOiS is an exceptionally handsome watch, and a welcome return to the stable of Speedmaster references. This feels like a watch that would make sense with multiple dial configurations, and even metal options. This is a classy take on the Speedmaster given its size, polished lug shoulders, and symmetrical design. This example is being offered on two colors of leather straps, and a flat link bracelet reminiscent of the original.
One interesting detail worth calling out is the use of a “Hesalite‑like form, scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal” by Omega. So it is a sapphire crystal that’s been made to look like an old-school hesalite unit. An odd choice considering they still offer the original Moonwatch with a hesalite crystal, and maybe a sign of things to come.
The new Omega Speedmaster FOiS is available now at Omega boutiques, and will be priced at $7,900 on a steel bracelet, slightly north of the Moonwatch carrying the same movement. Omega