Introducing the Omega Speedmaster FOIS ‘First Omega in Space’ now in Sedna Gold (live pics & price)

Omega has quite a lot of vintage-inspired watches in their collection, like for instance the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial or the Omega Speedmaster 57 Co-Axial revisited with Broad Arrow Hands (a recall of the very first Speedmaster CK2915). In 2012, they also introduced a quite interesting edition of the Speedy that was a tribute to astronaut Wally Schirra and the watch that was strapped on his wrist, a Speedmaster CK2998. This re-edition of the First Omega in Space (nicknamed FOIS), a numbered (non-limited) edition, remains quite successful and it now comes in a more luxurious edition, with a very cool dial. Here is the Omega Speedmaster FOIS ‘First Omega in Space’ in Sedna Gold.

What is the 2012 Omega Speedmaster FOIS ‘First Omega in Space’? Basically, this watch is based on the classical Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’ with a slightly different case. Apart from the material (the original Speedy is a proper tool watch that comes in steel), the case uses the straight-lugs shape (meaning that the horns are flat and that the pushers and crown are not protected, unlike the classical Moonwatch with its lyre lugs) and the overall diameter is reduced to 39mm instead of 42mm. The hands are also different on the Omega Speedmaster FOIS, as they have become almost similar to the CK2998 – what collectors call the ‘Alpha hands’, made in steel, instead of the white painted baton hands of the Moonwatch. Finally, the dial features the applied Omega logo (instead of being painted). For the rest, the movement is the same (the good-old Calibre 1861) and the dial is almost similar.

The 2015 edition of the Speedmaster ‘First Omega in Space’ comes with the exact same shape as the 2012 FOIS but the case in now made with Omega’s own gold alloy, the 18K Sedna Gold – a rose gold supposed to keep its pink color better throughout the years (like Rolex’ Everose Gold). Of course, it changes considerably the taste of the watch that goes from a sporty watch with a bit of elegance (due to the pure dial and the rather small case) to an elegant chronograph with a bit of sportiveness. The case’s material is not the only evolution however, as the bezel (that of course still comes in black with white inscriptions – a Speedy is and will always be a Speedy) features a ceramic insert.

And… There’s also a major visual update that concerns the dial. Previously in full black, it now features a ‘panda’ colour scheme, meaning a white face with black sub-counters and outer-ring (PVD coated) – something that also changes quite a lot the visual perception of the Omega Speedmaster FOIS. This new combination of a gold case and a panda dial is something that has absolutely no historical relevance (at least in terms of Speedmaster’s history) and that reminds of a certain Paul Newman chronograph made by the Crown… Sorry for the comparison, but it’s quite obvious. This doesn’t change the fact that this Omega Speedmaster FOIS “First Omega in Space” in Sedna Gold is a pleasant watch to look at, which of course keeps its link with the rest of the Speedmaster collection.

The Omega Speedmaster FOIS “First Omega in Space” in 18k Sedna Gold comes on a brown leather strap with beige stitching and is a numbered edition (not a limited edition). It is now available in stores and priced at 14.600 Euros. Omegawatches.com.