More than half a century ago, an astronaut Wally Schirra had bought an Omega’s watch in the jewelry store in Houston and wore it few years later, during his space mission. In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Speedmaster that orbited the earth, OMEGA has launched a Numbered Series of a Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” watch.
Did you hear the story about the rigorous tests that Omega Speedmasters had needed to pass, before they became inevitable parts of all NASA’s manned missions, from March 1965? Off course, you did if you are the fan of this renowned Swiss watchmaker. Speedmaster Professional timepieces had their roles in all six lunar landings and the one that was on the Buzz Aldrin’s wrist, during his epic walk on the surface of the Moon, in 1969, earned the status of the brand’s legend.
Astronaut Wally Schirra
However, not so many people know that before NASA approved the exceptional quality of the Omega’s iconic watch collection, an astronaut Wally Schirra had tested his private Speedmaster by wearing it during his Mercury Atlas 8 mission, in October of 1962. A new Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” commemorates this historic chronograph.
The watch is powered by the legendary Calibre 1861 hand-winding chronograph movement which became famous inside the Buzz Aldrin’s Moonwatch. This exceptional mechanism, highly resistant to corrosion, oscillates at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of power reserve. Another feature associated with the classic Speedmaster is a black aluminium bezel ring with the tachymeter scale. The 39.70 mm case of a Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” watch is crafted in stainless steel that nicely combines polished and brushed surfaces. It comes with a brown leather strap with beige stitching, which gives a certain dose of elegance to this exquisite sport looking chronograph.
A classic looking, varnished black dial, with white transferred indexes, hour markers and hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova, features three sub-dials: the 30 minutes counter is at the 3 o’clock, while the 12 hours chrono counter takes the 6 o’clock position. Finally, the small seconds sub-dial is at the 9 o’clock position. The dial is protected with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The screw-in stainless steel case-back is embossed with the brand’s original seahorse emblem which is surrounded with words “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”. Since this is a numbered edition, the number of the watch is also engraved on the case-back.
There are no words that can describe my feelings and emotions right now. This new Omega is truly a masterpiece. I can only imagine how much this great watch costs. There is no doubt that the price is astronomical.
I read on a site about the Calibre 1861 hand-winding chronograph movement which is in this Omega watch and I’ve found out that this caliber is almost legendary! I was very happy when I read such information. Besides, I like the combination between the black dial and the brown leather strap.
I don`t see anything special on this model. It`s simple and usual as many Omega watches. The only thing that really worths is the mechanism. And I think that Bruno has the point, there is no doubt that this watch will be very expensive. There is another thing, I admire the work and the deed of mister Wally Schirra. I met him 15 years ago at an event and it was a real honor to me. I remember that day like it was yesterday.
This is the watch which carries the name of a big and famous company and that’s Omega. As one of the best brands, Omega made a phenomenal watch with a lot of qualities. The group of all these qualities makes this watch so irresistible. Personally, I think this is truly the best example of elegant Omega watches.
Whenever I see a watch with a leather strap, I feel happy. Why?! Because I just love leather straps on watches. I prefer brown leather, especially in combination with a black dial, like in this situation.
You`re right, Alton. I also like that combination, brown leather and a black dial. But generally I don`t like this watch. I like robust cases, with a lot of features and sub dials inside of the dial. There are a couple of watches which are much better than this one, for example Omega, Tissot and IWC.