The 2024 Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series FOiS (and much more)

October 2024 is a special time for Omega and its fans. The long-awaited Speedmaster is finally available. Yes, each Speedmaster is a story in itself, but the Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series First Omega in Space watch is the most anticipated sequel, hands down.

The following lines unravel the story of why that is the case and what details make it so special. Join us in this short but detail-packed documentary on one of the most iconic watch series ever made.

Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in Space" 310.30.40.50.06.001 is a genuine stunner from top to toe.

First Omega in Space (FOiS)

If you ask an Omega fan to list their favorite things about Omega watches, you'll probably hear at least a couple of dozen variants. And all would be true. Still, if there's 100 percent certainty in anything, Omega's watches participating in groundbreaking space exploration missions would be included in the list.

Omega Speedmaster, reference CK2998, better known as the original "First Omega in Space," is where it all began. Astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra wore it on his wrist while orbiting the Earth six times on October 3rd, 1962. It was the second-generation Speedmaster, which differed in bezel and hand design and construction. Unlike the first generation, Schirra's Speedmaster had a black anodized aluminum bezel that came with a base 500 scale and Alpha hands. That has remained a unique feature that has been reserved only for FOiS Speedmaster ever since.

Astronaut Walter Schirra wears his Omega Speedmaster: First in space during the 9-hour MA-8 "Sigma-7" mission, October 1962. (Image credit: omegaforums.net)

Around 8000 original FOiS were produced from 1959 to 1963 and have enjoyed legendary status. Their most notable features are:

• Stainless Steel Case, 39.7mm in diameter, 14mm thick
• Manual wind Caliber 321 movement
• Hesalite Crystal glass
• Black dial
• 50m water resistance
• Leather strap or steel 7077 bracelet

The second FOiS Speedmaster was introduced in 2012 as Speedmaster Anniversary Series: First Omega in Space. It was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. Its main features are:

• Stainless Steel Case, 39.7mm in diameter, 14mm thick
• Manual wind Caliber 1861 movement
• Sapphire Crystal glass
• Black dial
• 50m water resistance

It remained in production until 2021, with around 15,000 watches made. They came in two versions: reference 311.32.40.30.01.001, featuring a leather strap, and reference 311.32.40.30.01.002, the Met Edition, featuring a red/white nylon strap.

That leads us to Omega's latest celebration and honoring of the 1962 Earth-orbiting mission, the latest FOiS that has just been introduced to the market.

The 2024 Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in Space"

Speedmaster Anniversary Series: First Omega in Space (yes, it has the same official name as its predecessor from 2012) was released on October 3rd, 2024, on the exact date the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission occurred in 1962 and exactly 62 years after. Although it bears the same name as its older brother, they are easily differentiated thanks to several features, such as a slightly revised lug design, caliber, step dial, and dial color, among others. The main features of the 2024 FOiS are as follows:

• Stainless Steel Case, 39.7mm in diameter, 13.4mm thick
• Manual wind Caliber 3861 movement
• Sapphire Crystal glass
• "Dot over ninety" aluminum bezel insert
• Dark blue dial with a touch of grey
• 50m water resistance

Depending on the watch strap, it comes in three different reference number versions: the 310.30.40.50.06.001 with a bracelet, the 310.32.40.50.06.001 with a black leather strap, and the 310.32.40.50.06.002 with a brown leather strap.

The dial of the Omega Speedmaster "FOiS" 310.30.40.50.06.001 is also a faithful reincarnation of the original FOiS

The CVD-coated dial features the step design that returns with the 2012 FOiS and the identical logo and markings of the original CK2998. The caseback has Speedmaster the First Omega in Space engraving on the top and October 3, 1962, on the bottom. The Speedmaster seahorse logo sits comfortably between them, rounding up the tribute to the original FOiS caseback.

Case back detail of the Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in
Space" 310.30.40.50.06.001 pays homage to the original FOiS

The authentic effect of the classic Super-LumiNova for improved
visibility of the 2024 Omega Speedmaster "FOiS"

The case is a faithful tribute to the original FOiS. It has a symmetrical design, straight lugs, reduced thickness, and different finishes than the 2012 model. The tribute features extend to Alpha steel hours and minutes hands, a vintage Omega logo wordmark, and vintage-colored Super-LumiNova on hands and markers.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo XVII

Since we do not have the 2024 FOiS on hand yet, the watch featured in the photos is one of the older models: OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo XVII, reference number 311.30.42.30.03.001. This gives you a better idea of possible strap combinations for the blue-dial Apolo XVII watch, which shares a similar design to the 2024 FOiS.

The sub-dial at 9 o'clock features the silver medallion of Apollo
XVII

Its caseback features an engraving of the Apollo XVII patch,
commemorating the last lunar landing mission.

The unparalleled elegance of OMEGA Moonwatch Apollo XVII in combination with a 20mm Handcrafted Black Italian Horse Leather Watch Strap with Beige Stitching

As the festive season approaches, this timeless piece could be the perfect addition to your holiday wishlist. The Apollo XVII edition boasts a striking blue dial, a nod to the vastness of space and the blue marble of Earth as seen by astronauts. Its caseback features an engraving of the Apollo XVII patch, commemorating the last lunar landing mission. The watch's tachymeter scale and chronograph functions echo the technical precision required in space exploration.

OMEGA Apollo XVII 311.30.42.30.03.001 blue all the way when paired with  a 20mm FKM Wheels Curved End Rubber Watch Strap

Whether you're eagerly anticipating the 2024 FOiS or admiring this classic Apollo XVII edition, these strap combinations offer a stellar way to customize your timepiece for the holiday season and beyond. It's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story of human achievement – a perfect conversation starter for your holiday gatherings.

The semi-casual, semi-elegant appeal of the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo XVII when paired with a 20mm Khaki Quick Release Italian Suede Leather Watch Strap

A special kind of magic happens when you pair a blue dial and a white strap, such as OMEGA Speedmaster 311.30.42.30.03.001 combo with a FKM 20mm White Rubber Strap

In conclusion

The hearts of avid Speedmaster FOiS fans are finally in the right place with the 2024 Anniversary edition. The genuine look that faithfully recreated the original design of the first FOiS, the super reliable caliber, and three available strap combinations, coupled with a respectable number of superior-quality replacements, is a dream come true. It was, by all means, well worth the wait.

Written by S.K., images by Toni and others as noted

External References:

• The New 2024 Speedmaster First Omega In Space, Returning in Vintage Shape
• First OMEGA in Space
• A Guide to the Evolution of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, Reference by Reference
• The Omega 'First Omega In Space' Speedmaster Returns With A New Blue-Grey Dial
• A Conversation With Astronaut Wally Schirra (by Chuck Maddox)