Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph 'First OMEGA In Space'

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Few watch designs are as iconic as the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch, and it is plainly no secret how big of fans we are here of the classic chronograph. However, for our love of the original, we have a special soft spot for the unusual "First OMEGA in Space" design launched at the start of 2010s commemorating the original 1959 Speedmaster CK2998. This model, the ref. 311.32.40.30.02.001, is a 2018-launched edition from that series, and like the previous watches within the anniversary line brings together classic Moonwatch features alongside plenty of unique intrigue.

With a great size and weight on the wrist via a steel case just under 40mm by 14.5mm, the watch is instantly recognizable as a Speedmaster by its silhouette, complete with slightly twisted lugs, pump pushers, and a signed OMEGA crown used for hand-winding its highly praised caliber 1861 movement. Bring these iconic features together with a fixed pulsometer bezel, captivating black and white colorway on its bead-blasted dial, and just a pop of red to draw you in, and you have yourself the perfect watch for someone who loves the Speedmaster, but want something a little more off the beaten path.

Inside this edition of the "First OMEGA in Space" is aforementioned manually winding caliber 1861. The 1861 is a modern version of the original 861 (itself an update to the legendary 321 caliber), which uses 18 jewels rather than 17 and is rhodium plated. Finally, OMEGA paired the case with a sporty leather racing strap, a choice that distinctly plays up the watch's vintage appeal, but further differentiates it on the wrist as a truly uncommon wearer in context to the brand's many Speedater offerings.
Released in 2018 as a limited edition celebrating the original and iconic OMEGA Speedmaster CK 2998 of 1959, the OMEGA Speedmaster CK 2998 Limited Edition ref. 311.32.40.30.02.001 was at its launch one of the most intriguing additions to the brand’s thriving Anniversary Series yet, following up on the well-regarded 'First OMEGA In Space' series that preceded it earlier in the decade. It came as the direct successor to at least three other models sharing its unusual style, including a 2012 edition that closely resembled the original CK 2998, a 2015 variation that used the brand's proprietary Sedna gold alloy for its case, and then a 2016 version best known for its dark blue and white colorway.

Like the others in the 'First OMEGA In Space' series, this model is limited to just 2998 pieces globally. And while sharing many features with its predecessors, the 2018 model distinguishes itself from the pack with some signature features like a ceramic pulsometer bezel and panda-colorway dial, which together with a lovely Moonwatch case and the ever-loved OMEGA Calibre 1861 presents a watch which maintains incredible Speedmaster chops with massive individual intrigue.

This particular OMEGA Speedmaster Limited Edition is in overall excellent pre-owned condition, meaning there are very light signs of wear and some small scratches on the case and bracelet that come with being lived with. The dial is crisp white with red accents that really pop off the wrist. The case has been professionally refinished. The pulsometer bezel is in like-new condition with no flaws to note. The OMEGA strap is correct for this reference and in great condition. The caseback is marked with the Hippocampus motif, information about the model, and the limited edition number "33X/2998." During our quality control check, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the watch is functioning as intended.
In 1894, La Generale Watch Company developed a system for interchangeable movement parts, which it marketed as the OMEGA brand from La Generale Watch Company. This brand proved to be very successful, and in 1903, OMEGA was spun off into its own company. In the following decades, OMEGA went on to become not only one of Switzerland’s largest and best-known watchmakers but also one of the world's most recognizable global brands. The most pivotal period for OMEGA came in the 1960s when America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) chose the OMEGA Speedmaster for the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. This achievement, paired with its regular timing of both the summer and winter Olympic Games, has bestowed upon OMEGA a global reputation as a maker of precision timekeepers trusted to perform when performance matters most.