Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega in Space: Blast Off (VIDEO)

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space: its name is a beautiful contradiction. Omega’s all-time icon wasn’t always the “Moonwatch,” and while this tribute model falls under that model line, the First Omega In Space flew long before the “Eagle” landed in 1969.

How much earlier? Try nearly seven years; NASA Mercury Program astronaut Wally Schirra’s personal Omega Speedmaster reference CK2998, a vintage-1959 Speedy, accompanied the NASA pioneer during his October 3, 1962 orbital flight aboard Mercury mission “Sigma 7.”

And the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space pays homage to Schirra’s trusty timer. Prior to 1965, Omega Speedmasters like Schirra’s weren’t “Moonwatches” or even Speedmaster “Professional” models (the latter appellation applied only after the official 1965 NASA flight certification of the watch). But the CK2998 was tough, precise, and memorable…

These traits endure on the Speedmaster First Omega in Space. Released as a 50th anniversary special edition in 2012, the “OSFSIS” revives the 39mm case, non-beveled lugs, symmetrical (crown-guard-free) case, and vintage dial of Wally Schirra’s CK2998.

Fans of the modern Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch will notice the distinctions immediately. While the current Moonwatch measures 42mm in diameter, sports burly pusher guards, and tapers its lug hoods via dramatic beveling, the OSFOIS is characterized by a stripped-down profile.

This numbered edition (not limited) owes more to the first 1957 Omega Speedmaster (Ref. 2915) than it does to the “Moonwatch.” As a result, the OSFOIS is more versatile than its “Professional” counterparts; the fine and unadorned silhouette combines with a brown calf leather strap to achieve a striking impression in formal attire.

Omega cuts few corners to deliver a dial with the historical impact to match the case. Original CK2998 metallic “alpha” hands set the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space apart from the white batons of modern Moonwatches. Elongated hour indices, metallic constant seconds hand, and the applied (vs. printed) Omega logo at 12 o’clock are true to history.

Inside the vintage-inspired case, Omega equips the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space with a (still) NASA-certified Omega caliber 1861 based on the Lemania 1873 base movement. As with all traditional Omega Speedmaster calibers (and all Moonwatches), the movement is a tough manual-wind device designed to maintain performance under (literally) otherworldly conditions. With a 48-hour power reserve, triple register chronograph, and a lineage that stretches back to 1968, this movement is the real deal.

See this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch First Omega In Space in high-resolution images on www.watchuwant.com.