Omega FOIS Speedmaster Guide: From the First Omega in Space to its Tributes
On October 3, 1962, astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra wore his personal Omega Speedmaster during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, making it the first Omega watch in space. Schirra orbited the Earth six times in a mission that lasted over nine hours. Omega’s desire to reissue watches about it, however, will last forever. In 2012 and 2024, Omega released tribute Speedmasters that collectors call “FOIS” (First Omega in Space) models. Here’s our quick guide to Omega FOIS Speedmaster watches, including the original.
The beloved Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has been 42mm ever since 1965. But the original true FOIS Omega Speedmaster reference, the CK2998, was made from 1959-1963, before the word “Professional” appeared and straight hands became standard. All three FOIS Speedmaster models feature alpha hands, aluminum bezel inserts, manual-wind movements behind solid casebacks, and a nice everyday-wearable case size of 39.7mm.
Note that Omega made a popular “CK2998” Limited Edition in 2016 (the quotation marks are part of the official model name, I kid you not) but that has a panda dial, plus it doesn’t say “First Omega in Space” on the caseback–so nobody really calls that a FOIS. Let’s go over all three proper Omega FOIS Speedmaster models, starting with the OG:
The First Omega Speedmaster in Space: CK2998
In 1962, when Wally Schirra took his own Omega Speedmaster ref. CK2998 into space, NASA had not yet famously certified the Omega Speedmaster Professional as space-worthy. That happened in 1965, but Schirra’s watch didn’t give him any problems. The CK2998, powered by the beloved Lemania-based Caliber 321 movement, features a relatively simple, pointy lug shape. In my opinion these lugs look a bit sportier than the lyre lugs that the Speedmaster Professional is known for.
Original CK2998 models can be found for less than $15,000 in mediocre condition with replaced parts. But better examples with desirable features–such as a “lollipop” seconds hand or a bezel insert that says “Tachymètre Base 1000” on it–can sometimes sell for over $50,000. Fortunately for those priced out of the vintage CK2998 market, Omega released a tribute that retains all of the original FOIS’s key aesthetics aside from the hesalite crystal and the radioactive lume.
More on the Speedmaster:
The Omega Speedmaster Snoopy: A Collector’s Guide
All the Two-Tone Omega Speedmaster Professional Models
Omega Speedmaster Bezel Scales: Tachymeter, Telemeter, Pulsometer, and Decimal
Omega Speedmaster Alternatives: Chronographs From 12 Other Top Brands
What is the Price of an Omega Speedmaster?
2012 Omega FOIS Speedmaster
When the 2012 version of the Omega FOIS was released, it had been decades since a 39.7mm Speedmaster was in production. The 39mm automatic “Speedy Reduced” lineup was discontinued in 2009, and the awkward Speedmaster 38 didn’t appear until 2017, so there was a clear need for a sub-42mm Speedmaster at the time. And Omega got plenty of attention for filling that void with (basically) a modernized CK2998 reissue.
Like all FOIS Speedmasters, this Omega release (ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001) is technically not a Professional model. But it’s pretty similar to a standard Speedmaster Professional of its day–just a little bit smaller, with pointier lugs and alpha hands.
The movement inside is the manual-wind Lemania-based Omega Caliber 1861 that you might expect. No hesalite, though–this watch has a sapphire crystal and a solid caseback. And it sold well–we know over 15,600 were made before its discontinuation in 2021, because this is a numbered special edition with the production numbers clearly written on the caseback.
This generation of FOIS wasn’t available on a bracelet. It was an intentional design decision for Omega to release it exclusively on a leather strap, although of course watch nerds eventually figured out that you can put a 1125 bracelet with 617 endlinks and 2206 springbars on it if you want. And notably, in 2019, a “The Met Edition” of the Omega FOIS Speedmaster (ref. 311.32.40.30.01.002) was released on a red NATO strap with a white stripe. It was sold exclusively at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
All in all, the 2012-2021 FOIS was always popular among collectors but its relatively high production volume has kept prices reasonable. It’s an excellent choice as an entry-level luxury watch with decent pre-owned examples usually available under $5,000.
2024 Omega FOIS Speedmaster
Another Omega FOIS Speedmaster was released on October 3, 2024, 62 years to the day after Wally Schirra’s fateful mission. The 2024 FOIS looks very similar to the 2012 one, except it has tan lume (some call it “fauxtina”), a greyish-blue dial color, and a recessed outer track (we call that a “step dial”).
Its Master Chronometer movement, cal. 3861, is an upgrade over the old 1861. This Omega 2024 release also features slightly revised lugs, a “dot over ninety” bezel, and a bracelet option.
Omega says the dial is “CVD-coated, to replicate the tone of some CK2998 watches produced in the 1960’s.” The applied Omega logo and throwback typeface both add to the vintage vibe as well. It’s a regular production model, and I’m sure they’ll sell plenty. Although with a list price of $7,900 on a bracelet, don’t be surprised if you see discounts soon.
Omega FOIS Speedmaster Specs
| Specification | The Original FOIS (1959) | 2012 FOIS Tribute | 2024 FOIS Tribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Speedmaster | Speedmaster Anniversary Series: First Omega in Space | Speedmaster Anniversary Series: First Omega in Space |
| Reference Number | CK2998 | 311.32.40.30.01.001 (Leather strap) 311.32.40.30.01.002 (The Met Edition, red/white NATO strap) | 310.30.40.50.06.001 (Bracelet) 310.32.40.50.06.001 (Black leather) 310.32.40.50.06.002 (Brown leather) |
| Years Produced | 1959-1963 | 2012-2021 | 2024+ |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Case Size | Diameter: 39.7mm Thickness: 14mm Lug-to-lug: 48mm | Diameter: 39.7mm Thickness: 14mm Lug-to-lug: 47mm | Diameter: 39.7mm Thickness: 13.4mm Lug-to-lug: 48mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Movement Caliber | Caliber 321 (Manual-wind, 5 beats per second) | Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) | Caliber 3861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Bracelet/Strap | Leather strap or steel 7077 bracelet | Calf leather strap or red/white NATO strap (19mm lug width) | Calf leather strap (19mm lug width) or three-link steel bracelet |
| Dial Color | Black | Black | Dark greyish-blue |
| Crystal | Hesalite | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Number Produced | ~8,000 | ~15,610 | TBD |
| Price (Oct. 2024) | $13,000-$60,000 depending on condition | $4,000-$5,000 pre-owned | $7,500 MSRP (add $400 for bracelet) |
Even for a die-hard Omega collector, the endless barrage of Speedmaster releases tied to space-related anniversaries can be overwhelming. After all, Omega is the kind of company that will release watches to celebrate 45th anniversaries. But in my book, putting that aside, the FOIS Speedmasters really are some of Omega’s best offerings. The blue 2024 version looks nice, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission.
More on Omega:
Omega vs. Rolex: Who Makes Better Watches?
The Omega Constellation: A Timeline from Pie Pan to Present Day
2024 Omega Olympic Watch Guide
Omega vs. Cartier: The Battle for #2
Entry-Level Omega Watch Models
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