Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space

The Omega Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space 310.30.40.50.06.001 is one of the most emotionally compelling modern Speedmasters Omega currently makes because it captures the charm of the early pre-Moon Speedmasters while quietly incorporating modern upgrades enthusiasts actually want. Inspired by the CK 2998 worn by astronaut Walter Schirra during the 1962 Sigma 7 mission — the first Omega worn in space — this FOIS model feels more intimate and vintage-inspired than the standard Moonwatch Professional. The 39.7mm asymmetrical case wears beautifully, especially for enthusiasts who find the traditional 42mm Moonwatch slightly too broad, while the straight-lug profile and alpha hands give the watch a distinctly more elegant and historically accurate personality. The grey-blue CVD dial is another standout feature, shifting dramatically in different lighting and giving the watch far more warmth and depth than a flat black Speedmaster dial.

One of the coolest aspects of this watch is how thoughtfully Omega balanced heritage with modern execution. The applied vintage Omega logo, “Dot Over Ninety” bezel, alpha hands, and flat-link bracelet all reference the original CK 2998, but underneath is the modern caliber 3861 — a METAS-certified manual movement with co-axial escapement, strong anti-magnetic resistance, and significantly improved chronometric performance compared to older Speedmaster generations. Even the sapphire crystal is shaped to mimic the look of vintage hesalite, preserving the warm distortion and retro character without the scratch-prone downsides of acrylic.

Enthusiasts also tend to love the new flat-link bracelet, which gives the watch a lighter, more vintage-inspired feel on wrist than the chunkier modern Moonwatch bracelet.

The biggest weakness is that this watch lives heavily on emotional appeal and historical charm rather than outright practicality. Water resistance remains just 50m, which feels modest at this price point, and the manually wound movement still requires enthusiast buy-in compared to more convenient automatic chronographs. Some collectors may also prefer the iconic twisted-lug asymmetrical case of the Moonwatch Professional over the straighter vintage-style case used here. And while the FOIS wears smaller and more refined than the standard Moonwatch, the nearly 48mm lug-to-lug still gives it more wrist presence than the sub-40mm diameter initially suggests.

This watch is an outstanding fit for enthusiasts who love the history of the Speedmaster but want something slightly more unique, wearable, and vintage-focused than the standard Moonwatch Professional. It especially suits collectors who appreciate nuanced historical references and subtle design details rather than outright flash. For buyers who value heritage, emotional storytelling, and classic chronograph aesthetics — but still want the reliability and technical upgrades of a modern Omega movement — the FOIS may quietly be one of the most satisfying Speedmasters in the entire lineup.