The new “First OMEGA in space†Speedmaster was released this March at Basel World (The world’s biggest event for the watch and jewellery industry). It is based on the Speedmaster worn by Wally Schirra when he went into space aboard the Mercury Atlas 8 mission in October 1962. The watch seeks to, and succeeds in, capturing the original models style, which is thought by many to be the quintessential watch.
The new limited edition Speedmaster
The original worn by Wally Schirra on the Mercury Atlas 8 mission
The watch will be released in a limited edition run of 1962 pieces in a commemorative box to celebrate the 50 years since the Mercury Atlas 8 mission. This edition does not have crown guards, which is true to the early edition Speedmasters, such as Wally’s original, which collectors can go crazy for.
There are a few tiny differences between the limited edition and the original it is aiming to replicate. The limited edition has a ‘leaf’ style pointer on the left register, whereas the original watch had straight pointers on all three. The crystal used on the front of the watch is also different to the original. The crystal used is a more robust sapphire crystal, like other Speedmaster professionals, instead of a hesalite crystal that the original had. Another miniscule difference is the positioning of the dot near the 90 mark on the tachymetre. On the original it is just above, but on this limited edition it is at the side. These are incredibly minor points and do not detract from the aesthetics and collectability of the watches.
Inside the Speedmaster tribute is a manually wound caliber 1861 movement, which has earned its reputation in the legendary OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch. The watch comes available on a brown leather strap with beige stitching and is water resistant up to 50 metres / 167 feet.
On the watch’s screw in stainless steel case back, the original OMEGA seahorse emblem is embossed, along with “The first omega in space†and “October 3, 1962†and the unique numbering for the limited edition.
All in all, the new special edition “First OMEGA in space†Speedmaster is a true tribute, which gets everything right and will prove to be an excellent time piece. This is a great choice for someone looking for a vintage looking OMEGA Speedmaster without the hassle and associated price tag of buying vintage. The watch will be available in the coming months. Click here for more the watch on OMEGA's official site.