Omega Speedmaster FOiS First Omega in Space Review

Mach · 2024-10-05T15:59:43Z

Explore the new Omega Speedmaster 'First Omega in Space' (FOiS) with Mach's exclusive photos and insights. Compare it to Wally Schirra's CK2998-4.

Mach

WPS member · Omega forum

33 replies6905 views20 photos

Mach, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, offers an exclusive first look at the new Omega Speedmaster 'First Omega in Space' (FOiS) reference. His detailed photographs and initial impressions provide invaluable insights into Omega's latest re-edition, directly comparing it to astronaut Wally Schirra's historic CK2998-4. This article delves into the nuances of this release, highlighting its design choices and how it honors its legendary predecessor.

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These initial shots from last year’s Planet Ocean event. This is astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra’s personal Speedmaster (CK2998-4) that he wore on October 3, 1962 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) mission where he completed six orbits of the Earth:

Was fortunate to have been invited to attended the Omega Boutique’s event on the unveiling of their newest FOiS last night (apologies in advance - boutique lighting made it quite difficult to take photos):

I was quite pleased with this execution. IMHO Omega did a fantastic job on this ‘almost’ faithful re-edition on the original. I would have loved having this with the Calibre 321. Then again, the cost would have been more than twice as much. But I will be adding this to the collection eventually!🥂

Key Points from the Discussion

The new FOiS features the Calibre 3861 with a closed caseback and an aluminum bezel, distinguishing it from the Calibre 321 and ceramic bezel of the Ed White (EW) Speedmaster.
The FOiS dial is a shiny grey-blue with alpha hands and a pronounced 'fauxtina' application, contrasting with the EW's matte black dial, white baton hands, and more subtle fauxtina.
Despite its smaller diameter and thinner profile, the new FOiS appears larger on the wrist due to a longer lug-to-lug measurement, a characteristic that the bracelet's design might not fully conceal.
The new FOiS offers the aesthetic distortion of a hesalite crystal while utilizing a more durable sapphire crystal, addressing collector concerns about daily wear.
The availability of a bracelet option for the latest FOiS helps mitigate some of the initial hesitations Mach had about previous iterations, suggesting that accessories can significantly influence a watch's appeal.
Another example of a vintage Omega CK2998 was shared, providing additional context for the historical reference.

The Discussion

Aquaracer1

Oct 5, 2024

Cool! Thanks for sharing Mark

Just wish modern Omegas were a bit thinner…

Mach

Oct 6, 2024

With their protruding casebacks, IMHO they appear thinner than the specs.🥂

amanico

Oct 5, 2024

Thanks for taking the time to post this pictorial report.

Here is another CK 2998: