Omega Speedmaster FOIS Sedna Gold Review

christianch · 2015-10-20T14:00:11Z

Christianch reviews the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 'First Omega In Space' in Sedna Gold Ref. 311.63.40.30.02.001, highlighting its unique panda dial, Sedna gold alloy, and historical significance.

christianch

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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

About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.

This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.

The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.

Specifications

Caliber: 321

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 39 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 60m

Crystal: Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

Previous precious metal Speedmaster models, like the yellow gold version, were admired but not widely acquired due to their higher cost, roughly four times that of the steel version.
The author prefers the Sedna gold version for its more discrete and wearable nature compared to other gold Speedmasters, despite acknowledging the 'wow factor' of all-gold watches.
Omega's Sedna gold is a patented alloy of gold, copper, and palladium, designed to maintain its rose color over time, unlike other rose gold alloys that may fade.
The 'panda' dial of the Sedna gold edition, featuring dark brown subdials and bezel, is a significant aesthetic departure from the steel version and is highly attractive.
The Sedna gold Speedmaster successfully bridges the gap between a casual/sport watch and a dressier timepiece, making it suitable for formal attire.
A collector expressed excitement about seeing the Sedna gold Speedmaster in person at an Omega Boutique, considering a potential purchase.

The Discussion

Clueless_Collector

Oct 20, 2015

I also noticed Omega's ambition and rising potential. This "panda" look is quite attractive when I first saw the photos in another website, didn't know it's now available. Very nice add-iction, and I agree this price point and quality is very tempting, I'll have to find time to go take a look. Thank you for sharing. Rgds Raymond

christianch

Oct 20, 2015

at this price point and omega did well in adding a sedna gold version so they can be interesting to more people.

Dr No

Oct 20, 2015

. . . for decades before being discontinued recently; can't remember exactly when, but at least a few years ago. Here's an image of one of the last of the breed . . . [photo credit: Dr No] . . . taken in 2010. They weren't widely acquired essentially for reasons of cost, roughly four times that of the basic steel version. They were admired, though; when my Senator perpetual was up for sale, one of the few trades I'd have accepted would've been for a precious metal Speedmaster. My first choice wo

christianch

Oct 21, 2015

very interesting! I did see some yellow gold and white gold for sale at auctions. I personally prefer "new" and I believe that the sedna gold I have is more discrete and hence wearable. This said I do love all gold watches (have a rolex day date II in rose gold) the only issue with all gold (yellow or rose) is that it might feel a bit ostentatious in the office etc But in terms of WOW factor these are great. Your speedmaster yellow gold looks amazing. Is still part of your wonderful collection ?

christianch

Oct 21, 2015

patented by Omega. This alloy that blends three elements: gold, copper and palladium. It is still 18K rose gold 75% gold content) and has a unique rose gold colour. It is pretty much the same concept used by rolex in their "ever rose" gold but with a slightly different hue. Beside the special colour the real benefit is having a long-lasting colour. Other rose gold alloy with age might tend to fade or morph into a different colour.

MCG (Markus)

Oct 21, 2015

I only can congratulate to this lovely watch!

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About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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