There seems to be no sign that Omega will stop their 50th anniversary celebrations of the moon landing any time soon, but their latest limited edition timepiece isn’t what we were expecting. For one thing, it’s a collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest photography exhibition; for another, it’s actually based on an earlier Speedmaster: the first Omega in space.
The Omega first went into space in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury Sigma 7 mission. Sure it’s been updated a bit, but it still retains the vintage (for a sports watch) 39.7mm stainless steel case and relatively pared-back dial.
Really, the only change between this and the last space Omega version is a nod to the Met and Museum’s red and white NATO strap engraved on the caseback. It also comes with a leather strap, but who wants to switch?
Inside is the manual-winding 1861 movement, a descendant of the original Moonwatch movement that has also been updated over the years. It’s more reliable now than ever, which is impressive given that previous versions have survived space.
As for why the first Omega to go to space outlasted the original Moonwatch, it’s probably because the MET’s exhibition, “Apollo’s Muse: The Moon in the Age of Photography,” is more of an over-the-top look at things. Plus, with two 50th editions already published, you can have too much of a good thing.
Price and specifications:
Model name: Omega Speedmaster “First Omega in Space”: Metropolitan Edition
Case/dial: 39.7 mm diameter, stainless steel
Water resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
Movement: Omega Cal. 1861, manual-winding chronograph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph with central seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour records
Strap: Red and white NATO strap; Met logo engraved on buckle; also comes with a brown leather strap with beige stitching
Price: $5,200 (approx. £4,140); limited to 100 pieces; exclusive to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
English 
Russian 
Italian 
German 
Danish 
French 
Swedish 
Dutch