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The “First Omega in Space” Speedmaster, missing its “controversial” leaf seconds hand.Let’s get one thing straight – the new “First Omega In Space” Speedmaster that you see above is awesome.  It was released this March at Basel World and it really looks the part of vintage Speedmasters.  Based on the Reference 2998 worn by Astronaut Wally Schirra into space aboard the Mercury Atlas 8 mission in October of 1962, this watch seeks to, and I believe succeeds in, capturing the hearts of all those watch fans out there that think of the vintage Speedmasters as the quintessential watch (seriously, ask anybody, even those guys with the Voutilainens and Pateks what the greatest watch ever made was, and there is a good chance they’ll say the 1960′s Speedmaster). 

But, this watch has raised a few eyebrows with the die-hard vintage fans.  Click through for Ben Clymer’s critical analysis of what Omega got right, and what Omega almost got right with this new watch.

From:HODINKEE

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This is an omega seamaster, a professiona Japanese grade replica watch from China.
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The space is not the final frontier for Omega Watches: over fifty years ago astronaut Wally Schirra wore his Omega Speedmaster in orbit on his space mission. To commemorate the half-century anniversary of Omega’s first launch into space, the illustrious watch brand is realizing their Omega Speedmaster “FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” Chronograph Watch.

Omega watches are one of the very few timepieces that have been worn in space. In order to pass the tests required by NASA, each watch had to be carefully inspected and put through numerous tests to certify that the watches would maintain their accuracy in orbit.

This accuracy was crucial to astronauts in early space travel because much of the calculations were figured by humans and not by their instruments (unfortunately, there were no iPhone apps for astronauts), so every second counted in the calculations.

This was particularly crucial in missions in space, such as the Apollo 13 mission where the crew had to rapidly recalculate and improvise on their protocols to land before running out oxygen.  Lucky for them, Omega watches were there to keep their calculations on track.

Omega watches, of course, were up to par and from March 1965 onward, the Omegas were officially out of this world and in NASA’s missions.  Wally Schirra was the first to test Omega’s qualities in space in 1962 on the Mercury Atlas 8 mission, but even Buzz Aldrin wore an Omega during his historic walk on the moon.

The commemorative Speedmaster today takes all the worthy qualities of the original.  With a manual-winding caliber 1861, chronometric and tachymetric functions, and a 48 hour power reserve, the watch is incredibly accurate.  Water resistant to 50 meters/167 feet and accurate hundreds of miles above the sea level, the Speedmaster is incredibly durable.  With a polished black bezel and dial, complemented by a soft brown leather band, the watch isn’t hard on the eyes, either.

A few details that the new release includes that you won’t find on the originals include detail work on the back of the watch case with Omega’s original Seahorse and “The First Omega in Space, October 3, 1962) etched into the stainless steel.  October 3 refers to the Mercury Atlas 8 mission—the very first day an Omega left the earth.

The Omega Speedmaster “FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” Chronograph Watch is more than just a timepiece, but also a part of the mosaic of American and world history. Omega’s dedication and talent provided many astronauts the backup they required during their dangerous, yet wondrous missions.  Today, it remains just as accurate, and just as integral to man’s dream of landing among the stars.

From:Luxury Watches That Impress Review Blog

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Colección de Relojes …

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Today, I received a mail by a long time watch friend that included a picture of Tom Hanks wearing an OMEGA Speedmaster Professional. This photo was featured in an article (this one) in The Washington Times about Tom Hanks and his political preferences. I am pretty sure you saw or know the Apollo 13 movie, where he plays the role of NASA astronaut Jim Lovell.

In the Apollo 13 movie, he is wearing [more or less] the same Moonwatch as the NASA astronauts did. It is nice to see that Tom Hanks also likes to wear a Speedy Moonwatch in his own time, where he probably can just pick out any watch he wants to have.

Actor, director and producer Tom Hanks is not on the list of official OMEGA ambassadors but surely is one. Besides sporting an OMEGA in Apollo 13, we’ve seen him wearing a Memomatic in The Terminal movie and a Planet Ocean 45mm in TV appearances as well. However, in the movie Angels & Demons he wore a Mickey Mouse watch, just like described in the 2000 novel by Dan Brown. Jake’s Rolex World website also features some images of Tom Hanks wearing a 36mm Rolex Explorer though.

The picture above is a capture from Apollo 13, starring Tom Hanks in an astronaut suit, playing the role of Jim Lovell. You can see the Apollo 13 badge on his left chest, also featured on one of the limited edition OMEGA Speedmaster Professional ‘patch’ models.

Thanks to Craig for notifying me.

From:FratelloWatches RSS

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The first Speedmaster watch, the CK2915, is up for auction at Dr H Crott auctions on the 11th of May. Together with a lot of Patek Philippe and Rolex watches, they have this 1958 Speedy CK2915-2 listed in very nice condition. It has been serviced in 2011 at Omega in Switzerland, but they’ve managed to keep it as original as possible in my opinion.

This particular Speedmaster was produced in 1958 by Lemania, which was owned by Omega at that time and were licensed to do so, and shipped to Argentina. The picture above shows the beautiful symmetrical case (39mm) with straight lugs and the lack of crown guards that they’ve added to the Speedy a few years later (starting with reference 105.012).

Auction house Dr.H. Crott estimated 45.000 – 65.000 Euro ($ 61.1K – $ 92.2K USD) for this watch, which might be a bit enthusiastic given the fact that it has been serviced after all. But let’s wait and see of course.

The Speedmaster CK2915-2 has, like all pre 198 models, a caliber 321 chronograph movement with column wheel which was replaced by caliber 861 later on. Omega still uses this movement (modified later on with one extra jewel, calling it caliber 1861) for their current Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” references.

A beautiful watch which will certainly get a lot of attention during the auction and if there’s an acceptable reserve, it will fetch a high price. For more information on the upcoming Dr H Crott auction, click here. This Speedmaster CK2915 ‘Broad Arrow’ is lot 34551 and can be found here directly.

From:FratelloWatches RSS

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It did not surprise me that Omega had one of the strongest collections of new watches for 2012. While most of my attention was on the new Spacemaster Z-33, the Speedmaster family had some line extensions that were really satisfying. The ones that stole the show are the newest Speedmaster Racing models.

These are not just cosmetically enhanced Speedmaster watches with tricked-out dials. These are a new twist on the Speedmaster concept with a new movement. That latter part is sure to catch the attention of other watch movement nerds like me. The new movement is a sort of middle area between a base ETA movement and a totally in-house made Omega movement like the 9300.

All Speedmaster watches are inherently about racing, but the Speedmaster Racing are more flashy by modern standards compared to the basic black and white models. Omega will initially release at least five color variants for 2012. They teased the yellow and black model, but other versions with red, black, blue, or silver dials are just as cool. The main idea is that the overall dial layout is classic Speedmaster, but there are new elements and textures included as well.

The chronograph subdials have textured insides while colors are used for some of the chronograph hands and other elements. It isn’t that Omega has never played with the Speedmaster dial before, but these are among the most interesting – and certainly fun. You could call this a more youthful or casual Speedmaster if you like. It is hard for me to not like the mostly red-dialed version. Though all are nice.

The Speedmaster Racing watches are 40mm wide in a steel case. To be honest I would have loved for them to be 42-44mm wide. This is not because they look bad at 40mm, but rather that my tastes have me liking the larger sized pieces more. Nevertheless, they look great on the wrist and are comfortable. The cases are well made and the backs have that signature seahorse logo on them.

Omega will offer the Speedmaster Racing watches on both metal bracelets and rubber straps. The cases look great on each to be honest. This is one of those instances where I would recommend having both the strap and the bracelet. Inside the watch is a really exciting movement called the Omega caliber 3330. Based on the previous generation of Speedmaster column-wheel chronograph movements, the caliber 3330 adds two important features. First is a Co-Axial escapement. Omega is trying to have as many of their watches with Co-Axial escapement movements as possible. They were finally able to include that technology here. Also in the movements are silicon hair springs. Taken together, these new movement elements increase the accuracy and longevity of the chronograph movement in an appreciable way. The movements are also COSC Chronometer certified. Price for these beauties is reported to be about $ 4,000. Not bad.

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From:aBlogtoRead.com

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You’ve probably heard it by now, OMEGA introduced the remake of the “First Omega in Space” Speedmaster. The watch worn by Walter ‘Wally’ Schirra on the 3rd of October 1962 during the Sigma 7 flight, was the Speedmaster ref. CK2998. This is a second generation Speedmaster, a few years before it became the official choice by NASA and renamed ‘Speedmaster Professional’ in 1965. We had a look at the new remake of this Speedmaster ’1962′ during our appointment with OMEGA in BaselWorld and we’d like to share our findings and the pictures we took, with our readers.

As you can see, the dial lacks the ‘Professional’ wording and has the applied OMEGA logo again, like it was used in those days. The font that OMEGA used doesn’t match with the original one, but that has been a matter of ‘corporate branding’. The hands are according to the original 1962 ref.CK2998 Speedmaster as well, except that the use of the chronograph second hand belongs to the original CK2998-1 (or mark 1) and the small sub register hands to the later CK2998-2. On the other hand, we’ve seen so much combinations through the years, including those who left the factory in Bienne in the 1960s that is getting hard to have the exact rights facts on the table. Despite that, OMEGA did a great job to create a dial that comes so close to the original model.

With a diameter of 39.7mm a tad bit smaller than the current Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’, but we’ve found it to wear very well. The straight lugs of this Speedmaster are very interesting and correspond to those of the original CK2998. The finish on the case differs a bit from the original Speedmaster from 1962, but nevertheless does the watch give you a feel that are you are actually wearing this vintage Speedy from the 1960s.

OMEGA decided to put a vintage looking brown strap on the watch, something of which Jean-Claude Monachon (OMEGA’s Head of Development) told me was a very clear decision by them. It would not make sense to have either the current stainless steel bracelet resized for this Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” but it also wouldn’t have made sense to do a remake of the original bracelet as it wouldn’t meet their current standards for a bracelet.

Inside the Speedmaster 1962 is the famous caliber 1861, based on the manual winding Lemania 1871 chronograph movement. We are glad that they used this movement instead of a new co-axial movement, historical wise it should be the caliber 321 but this is definitely the best solution as the original caliber 321 is not available anymore. We love the new co-axial movements by OMEGA (read RJs thorough review of the Speedmaster Co-Axial caliber 9300 here), but it would not have made sense.

This watch has a sapphire crystal and also the case back is different than the original ‘Seahorse’-only engraved one. The caseback is embossed with OMEGA’s original seahorse emblem, the wording “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”, which is the date of the Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) mission. The caseback also has the number of the watch engraved. Unlike the annual Limited Editions that OMEGA introduces (this year was the Last Man on the Moon edition), this Speedmaster is not a limited edition.

This is a watch for Speedmaster collectors and lovers all over the world, we’re sure. Since OMEGA have done their best to create a straight-lug CK2998 remake, we are sure that the audience will understand some of the compromises that have been made to let it fit in the current OMEGA catalogue.

OMEGA will get this watch delivered to authorized dealers in October/November 2012, at least ‘after’ the 50th anniversary of Wally Schirra’s Mercury Atlas 8 mission. Price is set at CHF 4750.- (including taxes).

An all original OMEGA Speedmaster pre-Professional (and thus pre-Moon) CK2998 sells for much more than that. It makes the Speedmaster ’1962′ or ‘First Omega in Space’ a very interesting and attractive Speedy for those who can’t find a vintage ref.2998 to their liking, don’t want to spend so much money for one or just prefer new watches. Whatever reason it may be, we think that this remake Speedmaster pre-Professional will be a very good seller amongst Speedmaster collectors and aficionados all over the world.

Below a picture of Wally Schirra (who passed away on the 3rd of May in 2007), wearing his OMEGA Speedmaster over the sleeve of his NASA suit.

More information: www.omegawatches.com. Also make sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page during the BaselWorld exhibition and other events.

From:FratelloWatches RSS

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We’re all familiar with the Speedmaster’s prolific space traveling past, and Omega has never been shy about reminding us. However, when the Speedmaster first hit the scene in 1957, it was the racing and rally crowds that took notice thanks to the watch’s chronograph functionality. In fact, the very first print ad of the Speedmaster depicted a couple of cars racing against their “high-precision wrist computer.” Hyperbole aside it’s easy to see how the watch would be embraced for such purposes.

From:HODINKEE

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The story of the Speedmaster began in 1957, when OMEGA’s Claude Baillod designed the watch for his manager, Head of Creation Pierre Moinat. The first few models (CK2915 and CK2998) had a symmetrical shape and were replaced by the a-symmetrical case as we happen to know it now, in 1963. When the Speedmaster was chosen by NASA to become part of the astronaut’s equipment, OMEGA added the wording ‘Professional’ on the dial in 1965. The rest is history and has been discussed and documented by many, including here at Fratellowatches.

Besides the Moonwatch, OMEGA developed and produced a number of Speedmaster watches that were not part of the Professional series. We would say that the Speedmaster ‘Reduced’ is probably the most popular non-Moonwatch Speedmaster and that the Speedmaster Automatic ‘Holy Grail’ the most sought-after model. For now at least.

This article is all about the new OMEGA Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002 with the in-house caliber 9300 movement. This two register Speedmaster chronograph was introduced during BaselWorld 2011 but has been a bit in the shadow of the (also) newly introduced Seamaster Planet Ocean line-up. The new Speedmaster non-professional does not get the attention it deserves to be honest.

It is not a Speedmaster Professional, so we won’t do a comparison. But let us say this: The Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph is meant for those who love the NASA heritage, the Speedmaster-cult status and the design of the ‘original’ but need a watch with a date, an automatic mechanical movement and – perhaps – an in-house movement.

OMEGA was able to send us a Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph for review purposes and in short: we had a hard time giving it back. The size of 44.25mm is more modest on the wrist than it seems by specification, so don’t let this scare you. The dial of the watch is simply mesmerizing and very thought-through with only 2 sub registers. OMEGA combined the 12 hour recorder with the minute recorder in one sub register, which is quite easy to read when using the chronograph to time certain things (we timed a few long trips with this watch).

We’ve heard people commenting on the watch that there is too much distance between the sub registers, however, our logical explanation would be that when the sub registers would be more close to the center pinion, the short end of the chronograph second hand could possibly block the view of one of the sub registers. Our other guess is that people need to adjust to this lay-out and can’t stop comparing the Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’ with this Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph.

Before we get to the previously mentioned in-house chronograph caliber 9300 (also discussed here in detail), let’s have a look at the new Speedmaster bracelet. A comfortable Oyster-style bracelet with ‘Speedmaster’ engraving in the clasp. The clasp is identical to those on previous Speedmaster models, using two pushers to open and a simple but firm ‘click’ to close. The links of the bracelet are connected to eachother using screws instead of pins. Well, that’s not entirely true. There is a pin inside, that is being locked by two small screws on each side.

We expressed our worry about losing one of the two screws and thus losing the pin inside. Head of Development of OMEGA ensured us that this system has been tried and tested and that you shouldn’t fear. During our period of testing this Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph, no issues occurred with the bracelet.

During the test period of this watch, we’ve been invited by OMEGA to visit their revamped museum in Bienne (reported here, lots of pictures), have a lunch with CEO Stephen Urquhart and visit the production facilities of the Co-Axial escapement and their new in-house movements.

Unfortunately, we could not take pictures during the factory tour, but let us assure you that OMEGA does everything it takes to make sure the movements meet all requirements by both COSC, OMEGA and you, the critical customer. The new caliber 9300 chronograph movement is chronometer certified (which means it is very accurate – between -6/+4 seconds deviation per day – and will be for at least 5 years) and will not disappoint you in terms of look & feel. Look & feel? Yes, we think it is important how a chronograph ‘feels’ when operating the start, stop and reset buttons. We’ve had multiple comments on our test watch from (watch)friends who noticed that the start/stop mechanism feels like silk. With ‘look’ we mean the esthetics of the movement, which is in this case, sheer beauty.

Because we also witnessed the production process of the new range of in-house movements, we’ve seen that a lot of effort and time is being put in finishing all the various parts of the movement. Both those you can see through the transparent case back but also those that can’t be observed by the wearer of the watch.

RJ examining tiny movement parts @ OMEGA Factory

Talking about the transparent case back, this is – in our opinion – one of the coolest extras on this Speedy. It seems that the sapphire crystal they used for the case back is almost identical to the one on the front of the watch (which isn’t the case of course). This results in a very domed crystal on the case back, which you will definitely notice when wearing it on your wrist. The transparent case back catches sun light in certain angles, which gives it a very interesting look. The photo below should demonstrate this.

When you flip the watch, you”ll get a great view on the caliber 9300 movement. Partly, because the movement is covered by a main plate that covers most of the gears and gear trains. However, because the case back is entirely made out of sapphire, the view is still impressive. The finish of the movement and rotor clearly makes up for this. Also, the silicon parts are also noticeable through the sapphire crystal.

Although the watch is significantly larger than the Speedmasters we are used to be wearing, it is one hell of a comfortable watch as a daily wearer. Despite the diameter of 44.25mm it wears comfortably on the wrist and it actually tooks us only a few minutes before we were used to it (instead of wearing 39/40mm diameter watches). Because we have and have had our share of Speedmaster Professional watches, we certainly appreciate the fact that OMEGA kept using the design of the case that mr. Claude Baillod came up with in 1957.

The position of the pushers, crown guards and crown does remind us of the design of the Speedmaster Automatic ‘Reduced’, where the crown is somewhat smaller (because automatic instead of handwound) and is located deeper between the crown guards. The large black dial is being magnified from certain angles due to the [super] domed sapphire crystal and makes it extremely readable in combination with the white baton hands. Also cool, the date aperture located on 6 o’clock shows a black date wheel and a silver colored date. Completely in line with the printing on the tachymeter.

A bit hard to capture on a picture, the lume is great as well. The hour markers and hands stay bright for a long time only after being exposed to (sun) light for a few moments.

Setting time and date is very easy, just pull out the crown in the 2nd position (2 clicks) and move the hour and minute hands and put the crown in the first position (1 click) to set the date. The date is being set by moving the hour hand independently from the minutes hand. This takes a bit longer than you are used to with a quick set date, but it’s manageble. It is a similar to setting the date on a Rolex GMT-Master II.

If we have to mention something critical about this watch, perhaps this would be it: the lack of a quick-set date. However, it didn’t bother us until we had to change the date and we soon forgot about it again when the watch was back on the wrist.

We’ve noticed that some people have difficulties with the price tag of this Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph. This OMEGA lists for 6.400 EUR (approx $ 8250.- USD). These kind of prices were – and perhaps are –  quite unusual for OMEGA but comparing this Speedmaster Co-Axial to chronograph watches of other brands with similar features and built quality it is actually not that expensive. The Speedmaster Professional retails for much less, but again – this is not a Speedy Pro and definitely has some advantages over the hand wound ‘Moonwatch’.

More information:

Official OMEGA Facebook Page

Official OMEGA Website

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