The Omega Speedmaster "First Omega In Space" Full Review

We just saw Swatch and Omega come together to release the fresh and unexpected MoonSwatch 1965, which paid direct homage to the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster’s NASA flight qualification in – you guessed it – 1965. Today we are returning to a late 2024 release from Omega that took things back a bit further, three years to be exact. I am referring to the “First Omega in Space,” a watch which harkens back to — congratulations, you guessed it again! — the first Omega to go into space. The year was 1962, the astronaut was Wally Schirra, and the Speedy reference was the 2998. In 2012, Omega launched the first “First Omega in Space,” henceforth referred to as the FOIS. In fact, I will refer to the 2012 version, with it’s black dial, as the FOIS 1. 

Omega launched the FOIS II in October of 2024 amid an absolute firestorm of buzzy releases. The release revived the model line which had lain dormant for about four years and brought it back with gusto. Today, we go hands-on with the current generation of the FOIS.

The standout features of the watch are no doubt its blue dial and use of a vintage logo. Both of these components speak to a more faithful homage. In many ways, the new FOIS is a more economical way to buy into the styling of the modern Caliber 321 Speedmaster. You get much of the dial ornamentation, and insofar as you’re okay with the 3861 Caliber (METAS-certified, mind you) over the modern re-creation of the classic 321, this is a killer option.

I had the chance to spend some time with this watch, one which I considered to be Omega’s best release of 2024 (yes, over the white-dial Speedy). The thing that really cemented that idea for me was the flat-link bracelet, an option not available on the FOIS 1. Putting this watch on, with its 39.7mm case diameter (consistent with the Ref. 2998), its straight lugs (standard Speedy lugs are twisted), and its guardless crown, felt akin to wearing something truly vintage.

Add in the blue-grey dial, which pays direct homage to Schirra’s in vintage form, along with a really tasteful use of faux-aged lume on the hands, and you have a certain magic captured and bottled. Sure, with its 48mm lug-to-lug, it doesn’t necessarily wear that different from the standard Moonwatch, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t just ooze a certain special something. 

I spent time discussing what this watch means with Teddy. We both own the classic "Hesalite" Moonwatch and were trying to figure out exactly who a watch like the FOIS is for. In the end, we came to the conclusion that if you were coming to Omega looking for your first serious watch, we might still direct you to the standard 3861 model. If you were something of a collector, the FOIS was a great second Speedy.

To be honest, I am wavering on that now. Something about this watch makes me think that is has enough visual interest, and is steeped in enough history, that it could totally work as a first Speedmaster, or even as a one-watch collection. Good design is good design.

In terms of fit, on my 6.25in wrist, the flat-link wore like a dream. The 13.4mm of case height was effectively imperceptible. Taking the watch off and turning it over, I really appreciate how even the caseback engraving feels vintage. Overall though, just like the recent MoonSwatch, the use of the vintage Omega logo and wordmark really elevate this watch beyond its $7,900 price tag (on bracelet). This thing can easily go toe-to-toe with the Ed White. And if I am being honest, given how much I like the way the blue-grey dial plays with the light and adds visual intrigue, I would choose the FOIS.

I look forward to spending more time with the FOIS, and if this is the design direction of heritage Speedmasters going forward, count me intrigued.