About the First Omega In Space Speedmaster
In 1962, Wally Schirra wore an Omega Speedmaster reference ST 105.003 during his six-orbit Mercury mission, cementing Omega's place in spaceflight history three years before NASA formally qualified the Speedmaster for all crewed missions. Omega has honored that heritage with dedicated First Omega In Space tribute editions under the Speedmaster Heritage banner, preserving the compact 39 and 39.7 mm case diameter that matches the dimensions of the original 1962 reference rather than the later 42 mm Moonwatch standard. The collection is defined by its manually wound chronograph architecture, domed hesalite crystal, and restrained vintage aesthetics, whether rendered in brushed steel or lavish Sedna gold with a ceramic bezel, making each piece a wearable piece of horological and space exploration history.
What to Look For
Collectors should distinguish between the steel references such as 310.30.40.50.06.001 with its distinctive blue-gray dial and 311.32.40.30.01.001 with a classic black dial on leather strap, versus the premium 311.63.40.30.02.001 in Sedna gold with a ceramic bezel and silver dial, which commands a significantly higher price and represents the flagship of this tribute series. Case material, dial color, bezel composition, and strap pairing are the primary value drivers across the collection, with the Sedna gold ceramic variant being the rarest and most sought-after configuration for serious Speedmaster enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the First Omega In Space Speedmaster historically significant?
The First Omega In Space editions commemorate the Omega Speedmaster ST 105.003 worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in October 1962, which was the first Swiss wristwatch to travel into Earth orbit. This predates the more famous Apollo moon missions and represents a distinct and often overlooked chapter in Omega's space heritage.
How does the First Omega In Space differ from the standard Moonwatch Speedmaster?
The most immediate difference is case size: First Omega In Space tributes use a 39 or 39.7 mm case that echoes the dimensions of the original 1962 reference, while the classic Moonwatch Professional measures 42 mm. Both lines use manually wound chronograph movements and hesalite crystals, but the First Omega In Space editions carry unique reference numbers, vintage-inspired dials, and in some variants, premium materials like Sedna gold and ceramic bezels not found on the standard Moonwatch.
Are the First Omega In Space watches available new or pre-owned at Bizak and Co.?
Bizak and Co. carries both new and pre-owned examples from this collection, including brand new pieces such as the Sedna gold reference 311.63.40.30.02.001. Every watch offered is authenticated before sale and ships promptly, giving buyers confidence whether they are purchasing a sealed new piece or a carefully inspected pre-owned example.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
