Omega’s new ‘First Omega in Space Speedmaster’ chronograph is a numbered edition that commemorates an historic moment for the brand.

In 1962, astronaut Walter "Wally" Schirra made history for Omega when he wore his own personal Speedmaster during the Sigma 7 mission of Mercury, the US’s first man-in-space programme. 

Blasting into a clear blue sky on October 3, it marked the start of a long history of space exploration for Omega’s iconic Speedmaster chronograph, which later became certified for all manned missions. 

Now, the Speedmaster ‘First Omega in Space’ reprises the classic look inspired by Schirra’s pioneering moment.

The updated 18-karat Sedna gold case is based on the original “pre-professional” Speedmaster, with symmetric lugs and a 1962 Seahorse medallion on the caseback.

On its face, the timepiece features a brown polished ceramic bezel ring and a matt chromium nitride tachymeter scale. This rich brown colour 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 18-karat Sedna gold and contain a mix of "alpha" and "baton" designs. 

For a unique touch, the caseback features special engravings including "The First Omega In Space", "October 3, 1962" And "Numbered Edition No."

To complete the watch, there is a brown leather strap with beige stitching, and a central core driven by the Omega calibre 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, and for that reason, this particular Speedmaster has been designed to be special in its own right, the manufacture says.

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, it adds.