Michael SatterfieldIn 1962, astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra made history for OMEGA when he wore his own personal Speedmaster during the “Sigma 7” mission of the Mercury program. Blasting into a clear blue sky on October 3rd, it marked the start of a long history of space exploration for OMEGA’s now-iconic Speedmaster Chronograph. In fact, almost two and a half years later, the watch would become officially certified for all manned missions.
Today, the Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” reprises the classic look inspired by Schirra’s pioneering moment. The updated 18K Sedna™ gold case is based on the original “pre-professional” Speedmaster, with symmetric lugs and a 1962 Seahorse medallion on the case back.
On its face, the timepiece features a unique brown polished ceramic bezel ring and a matt chromium nitride tachymeter scale. This rich brown color is also included on the PVD subdials and minutes track, which encircles a central opaline silvery dial. Along with the applied indexes, the hands are all made of 18K Sedna™ gold and contain a mix of “Alpha” and “Baton” designs.
For a unique touch, the case back features special engravings including “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE”, “OCTOBER 3, 1962” and “NUMBERED EDITION No.”
To complete this remarkable watch, there is a brown leather strap with beige stitching and a central core driven by the OMEGA caliber 1861, the same movement used in the famous “Moonwatch”.
At a time when humans were first going beyond our Earth, it’s remarkable to think that OMEGA was part of the journey. For that reason, this particular Speedmaster has been designed to be special in its own right. Those who wear it on their wrist are not only reminded of the brand’s momentous milestone but also of the beautiful Speedmaster design that has long stood the test of time.
More information about OMEGA and Space here.
