The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph – First Omega in Space

If you’re a serious collector or enthusiast willing to invest in one of horology’s most historically significant chronographs, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph “First Omega in Space” demands your attention. With 15 years of hands-on experience reviewing timepieces, I can tell you this isn’t just a watch—it’s a tangible piece of space exploration history that combines genuine vintage inspiration with modern manufacturing standards. However, before you commit to this substantial investment, you need to understand both its legendary strengths and some very real compromises.

Overview

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph “First Omega in Space” represents one of the most historically significant releases in Omega’s modern catalog. Launched in 2012 as a limited tribute to the CK2998 model—the privately owned Speedmaster that astronaut Wally Schirra wore during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962—this timepiece bridges seven decades of aviation and space exploration heritage. The Speedmaster lineage itself stretches back to 1957, when Omega introduced a robust chronograph specifically engineered for motorsports timing. That DNA evolved through decades of NASA partnerships, culminating in the famous Moonwatch worn during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This particular release celebrates the often-overlooked earlier space program connection, making it intellectually distinct from the standard Professional model. For collectors seeking authenticity over contemporary flashiness, this watch occupies a unique niche: it’s a modern production piece with deliberately vintage-inspired proportions and finishing that demands appreciation for historical accuracy over current design trends.

Key Specifications

• Movement: Omega Calibre 1861, manual-winding mechanical chronograph movement with column wheel and horizontal clutch mechanism
• Functions: Hours, minutes, running seconds; 1/10th-second chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour sub-registers; tachymeter scale
• Power Reserve: 48 hours
• Case Material: Stainless steel 316L with beveled profile featuring polished and satin-finished surfaces
• Case Diameter: 37mm
• Case Thickness: 14mm
• Lug-to-Lug Distance: 47mm
• Lug Width: 19mm
• Crystal: Hesalite acrylic (Plexiglas), recessed and non-cyclops design to match original CK2998 specifications
• Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)
• Bezel: Stainless steel tachymeter scale with stationary design
• Dial: Black matte finish with extended applied hour indices and applied Omega logo
• Hands: Alpha-style hour and minute hands with SuperLuminova lume; chronograph hands in contrasting style
• Crown: Screw-down with Omega logo
• Chronograph Pushers: Telemeter-calibrated style
• Strap: Vintage aviator’s calfskin leather in brown with contrasting stitching; includes standard three-link steel bracelet

Hands-On Impressions

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After spending considerable time with this piece on my wrist, the 37mm case diameter immediately impresses with its refined proportions—it wears noticeably smaller than contemporary 42-44mm sports chronographs, but never feels diminutive or feminine. The stainless steel case construction feels substantial, with genuine finishing quality evident in the beveled lugs and transitional surfaces between polished and satin elements. The case edges are crisp without being sharp, suggesting skilled finishing that avoids both excessive polishing and industrial roughness.

The matte black dial delivers excellent legibility despite its vintage-inspired aesthetic. Applied indices and the applied Omega logo create dimensional depth that catches light beautifully. The SuperLuminova lume on the Alpha-style hands glows strongly in darkness—a genuinely useful attribute that Omega didn’t compromise on despite the retro aesthetic. The Hesalite acrylic crystal, while period-correct, represents a genuine ergonomic concession: it scratches more easily than sapphire and requires different cleaning protocols, yet contributes measurably to the authentic vintage experience.

The screw-down crown operates smoothly, and the chronograph pushers feel appropriately mechanical without excessive play. The vintage aviator’s calfskin strap is genuinely supple, though it requires conditioning and care that modern rubber lacks. The included three-link bracelet tapers elegantly toward the clasp and feels light on the wrist. Wrist presence is remarkably balanced—the 47mm lug-to-lug distance keeps it comfortable on smaller wrists, while the 14mm thickness prevents it from disappearing under long sleeves.

Pros & Cons

• Historically significant design: The CK2998 tribute captures authentic 1960s proportions and aesthetics while meeting modern manufacturing standards, creating a bridge between horological history and contemporary ownership.
• Calibre 1861 movement: Omega’s manual-winding chronograph caliber is proven, serviceable, and genuinely reliable. The column wheel design provides smooth chronograph engagement and the 48-hour power reserve is respectable for manual movements.
• Refined finishing quality: The beveled case profile, polished and satin surface combinations, and applied dial elements demonstrate manufacturing care that justifies the investment.
• Versatile sizing: At 37mm with 47mm lug-to-lug, it accommodates a broader range of wrist sizes than modern sports chronographs while maintaining commanding presence.
• Legitimate space program heritage: The CK2998 connection to Mercury-Atlas 8 provides authentic historical narrative distinct from the more commonly referenced Apollo associations.

• Hesalite crystal compromise: The acrylic crystal scratches easily and requires regular polishing with specific compounds. While historically accurate, it’s functionally inferior to modern sapphire and demands ongoing maintenance commitment.
• Limited water resistance: 50 meters is adequate for splashes and brief immersion, but eliminates swimming and snorkeling without hesitation. This is a desk diver or occasional wearer, not a genuine sports tool.
• Calfskin strap fragility: The included leather strap requires regular conditioning and careful use. It’s vulnerable to moisture damage and creasing, demanding storage attention that modern rubber or sailcloth avoids.
• Premium pricing with vintage limitations: At $7,000+, you’re paying contemporary luxury prices for 1960s functionality. There’s no smart features, no significant water resistance, and no modern conveniences—you’re purchasing historical authenticity, not mechanical advancement.
• Manually wound only: In an era where automatic chronographs exist at various price points, the manual-winding caliber requires active engagement and conscious winding to maintain the 48-hour reserve.

How It Compares

At this price and specification level, the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” competes primarily against the standard Omega Speedmaster Professional and select Rolex Daytona models rather than broader chronograph categories. The Professional model offers sapphire crystal, 300-meter water resistance, and automatic movement at roughly comparable pricing—if you prioritize modern functionality, the Professional is the more sensible choice. Conversely, the Daytona provides ceramic bezel, screw-down chronograph pushers, and superior water resistance, though it sacrifices the vintage aesthetic entirely.

For those exploring broader chronograph options, reference our guides on Seiko vs Citizen comparison for Japanese alternatives, best automatics under $500 for budget-conscious chronograph exploration, and Orient vs Seiko under $300 for accessible vintage-inspired options. However, those searches address fundamentally different market segments. This Omega exists in rarefied collector territory where historical significance outweighs practical specifications.

Verdict

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph “First Omega in Space” is an intellectually compelling timepiece that rewards patience and historical appreciation. Its vintage-inspired design is genuine, not nostalgic pastiche, and the CK2998 tribute narrative elev