Christianch provides a comprehensive review of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 'First Omega In Space' Numbered Edition in Sedna Gold. This article delves into the watch's unique aesthetic, historical context, and Omega's proprietary Sedna gold alloy, offering valuable insights for collectors considering this dressier interpretation of a classic tool watch.
Here is my review of the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 'First Omega In Space’ Numbered Edition in Sedna Gold Ref. 311.63.40.30.02.001.
Under the spell of the Omega Seamster Spectre 007
I have decided to get another iconic omega, a speedmaster moonwatch. I was really not in the market for another incoming after
just a few days but I was really looking forward to try this one. One pieces arrived to the boutique just a few days ago.
This new edition of the "first omega in space" was launched in Basel this year and perhaps overshadowed by other issues like the Speedster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy award (that seems
to be sold out everywhere..in fact even before the deliveries!) but is a fantastic watch that takes a classic -- like the speedmaster -- and interprets it in a more dressy and elegant version
in the Omega proprietary sedna rose gold (that will keep the rose colour throughout the years).
Whilst this is labelled a "moonwatch" the astute speedmaster geeks will point out that this watch was not on the moon: the grandfather of this watch (the CK 2998) was worn
by astronaut Walter Schirra during the Sigma 7 mission. As an interesting fact Schirra was wearing his own Omega watch. The naming "first omega in space" is therefore accurate.
I have various theories on why this watch is not as popular as other speedmasters: in general gold version are not well received by collectors (probably because of the departure from the historical theme and
the higher pricing). The steel version of this watch (issued in 2012) was however very popular.
Unlike the steel version -- that sports a similar dial of the original Omega worn during the space mission -- this gold version has a "panda" dial that is simply fantastic. The color of the bezel
the recorder and small seconds is not black but a very dark brown. I have seen some reviews expressing joy for the black and white color scheme but it is in fact a dark, rich brown.
Unlike the original version and the traditional speedmaster professional this watch has a sapphire crystal that is doomed to create a vintage effect.
The brown strap with cream stitches fits perfectly with the sedna gold case.
I am sure that several collectors or speedmaster enthusiast question the choice of issuing what is essentially a tool/sporty watch in a gold. In my view this is an excellent choice by omega
to reach another public: these that love the historical significance of a speedmaster but also enjoy the dressy look that this sedna gold offers.
The box is the same of the steel version. I did question the boutique if this is perhaps a mistake. They will check but as of now the box is the same of the steel one ...so no extra packaging
for the gold
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch ‘First Omega In Space’ in Sedna gold is powered by the Omega 1861 manual-winding chronograph movement so it is historically consistent with the
watch worn on the moon (yes it is an updated version but very close the original one).
This watch looks and feel is truly fantastic. The price level is yes, higher than a steel speedmaster, but very competitive in comparison with other gold chronographs on the market
that lack the historical significance of omega. The case size at 39.7mm wears (in my case of a small/average sized wrist) than the larger co-axial powered version but the speedmaster
professional line (at 42mm) wears pretty well too.
Here there is no crown guard and the lugs are typical of that pre-moon period. So the watch does have a classy/dressy vintage look yet maintains a sporty feeling. I find it absolutely stunning.
It would work well in every business context without being too blingy. This is one of the few chronographs in my collection and I can't really think of anything nicer, especially at this pricing point.
The box is in wood and seems to be the same of the steel version of the first omega in space. I think this is a good upgrade from other omega boxes that, over the year, somehow deteriorated (my brother has an an Apollo XI 35th Anniversary and I can tell you that the faux-leather box in that watch self-destroyed during the years). Of course a box might not be that important but I wanted to show it to give you an idea of the whole package.
There is no special booklet for this watch.
Ready to go
As I had several incomings in these weeks I plan to start wearing this regularly after a few days (so please excuse the dark photos for now)
but I am totally in love with the watch! I have the luck to own watches from both Patek, and Lange and I can tell you that the finishing and execution of this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch ‘First Omega In Space’ is not second to the more "prestigious" brands.
Of course I am no expert but I feel that there is a lot of value in this sedna gold version. I can see myself wearing it regularly at the office and pretty much everywhere (but not on the beach!).
Before I end this review I wanted to show you the caseback engraving and medallion that is truly well executed. This is a numbered edition (not limited so in essence each watch is progressively
numbered but there is no initial limit) but as you can see here I was lucky to have a low two-digits number of mine so it must be one of the very first one available.
I hope that you enjoyed my short review of this watch. I plan to follow up in a few week with an "on the wrist" review. If you are looking for a dressy speedmaster this watch will not disappoint.
Christian
