Universally known as the “First OMEGA in Space,” the design pays homage to the brand’s history of space exploration. It combines a variety of heritage-inspired details, such as the hesalite-shaped sapphire crystal, with the assured quality of METAS certification.

First introduced in 1959, this famous watch, identified by the historic reference CK 2998, represented the 2nd generation of the Speedmaster family. It boasted standout features such as the tapered “Alpha” hands, symmetrical case and dark bezel, unique details that differentiated it from the first Speedmaster model of 1957 and that caught the attention of NASA astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra, who purchased it as his personal watch and chose to wear it during the Sigma 7 mission of Project Mercury, which began on 3 October 1962. It was on this occasion that the reference CK 2998 earned the title of “First OMEGA in Space”, inaugurating the tradition of space exploration that remains deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA today.

Since then, the historic reference CK 2998 has enjoyed a strong following among watch enthusiasts and Speedmaster fans around the world, and this year the new model continues this sentiment by retaining the same 2nd generation design from 1959 with a symmetrical 39,70 mm case in brushed and polished stainless steel. The dial features the iconic dark bezel crafted from black aluminum and featuring the inevitable tachymeter scale, as well as the unmistakable “Dot Over Ninety” indicator typical of the early Speedmaster models.

To match the hue of some CK 2998 references made in the 60s, OMEGA has opted for a CVD-coated grey-blue dial, visible through the brand new hesalite-shaped sapphire crystal, which features hour markers and “Alpha” hour and minute hands filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, as well as a central baton seconds hand painted white to match the applied indexes. In keeping with OMEGA tradition, the watch features two vintage OMEGA logos, one on the dial and one on the crown.

The celebration of the historic reference continues on the caseback, where OMEGA has integrated a Seahorse medallion and the engravings "SPEEDMASTER," "FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE," and "OCTOBER 3, 1962." Of course, just as spacecraft technology has advanced dramatically since the 60s, so too has watchmaking technology. That's why each watch is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber, the latest evolution of the caliber 321 that powered the original models, ensuring the highest standards of precision, performance, and magnetic resistance. Finally, OMEGA is offering a choice of three new features. The "First OMEGA in Space" is available with a black or brown leather strap with a pin buckle, or a full-metal flat-link bracelet featuring OMEGA's patented adjustment system.