One Of The Best-Kept Secrets: The Gold Speedmaster First Omega In Space
Ten years ago, Omega introduced the Globemaster, the Seamaster 300 Spectre edition, and the white-dial Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 45th Anniversary limited edition. That year, Omega focused primarily on the Spectre and the Snoopy, neglecting to give the Globemaster the attention it deserved. Additionally, the Sedna (rose) Gold Speedmaster First Omega in Space (FOiS) did not receive much acclaim.
Omega Speedmaster FOiS Sedna Gold — Image: TheWatchGuy Munich
Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold
It was too early for Omega to push gold watches. Those were different times for the brand and watches in general. Only in recent years has the demand for gold watches seemed to increase. In the current catalog, the Moonshine Gold Speedmaster with a golden panda dial on a rubber strap costs €35,900. Perhaps a fairer comparison would be the Moonwatch in Sedna Gold, on an alligator strap, which has a retail price of €33,500. A decade ago, there weren’t many gold Speedmaster editions in the catalog. Today, it seems to be a different world. A Speedmaster is available in every gold alloy and platinum.
Walter “Wally” Schirra’s Speedmaster CK2998-4
Wally Schirra’s Speedmaster CK2998 was the inspiration
But let’s first return to the beginning to provide some context about this Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold. In 2012, Omega introduced the well-known Speedmaster First Omega in Space to commemorate NASA astronaut Wally Schirra’s use of his (private) Speedmaster CK2998 in space in 1962. On October 3rd of that year, Schirra brought his Speedmaster on board the Sigma 7 during his nine-hour Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. Like his colleagues Deke Slayton and Gordon Cooper, he had privately purchased the Omega Speedmaster CK2998. The steel tribute was called the First Omega in Space, or “FOiS” by collectors, and Omega sold thousands of them from 2012 until its discontinuation at the end of 2020.
Image: Chrono24
The introduction in 2015
In 2015, Omega introduced the stunning rose gold version of this 39.7mm straight-lug Speedmaster to its collection. The polished brown ceramic bezel insert, brown sub-dials, and brown minute track on the dial create a beautiful contrast against the opaline dial and the 18K rose gold alloy. The alpha hands, like those in the original Speedmaster ref. CK2998, Speedmaster FOiS in steel, and other subsequent “CK2998” limited editions, give the watch a distinct look compared to the Speedmaster Professional and “Ed White”/105.003-based models.
Omega caliber 1861
Caliber 1861
Inside was still Omega’s reliable caliber 1861, the predecessor of the current Master Chronometer Co-Axial caliber 3861. About 50% of the parts are interchangeable, so these movements bear a strong resemblance. The caliber 1861 in the Speedmaster FOiS, whether steel or Sedna Gold, is not visible to the wearer. The case backs are all metal (gold in this instance) and feature the hippocampus logo in the center. Surrounding this is the text “The First Omega in Space” and the date of Schirra’s flight in the Sigma 7 spacecraft.
The Speedmaster FOiS is a numbered edition — Image: The WatchGuy Munich
A numbered edition
Both the Sedna Gold and stainless steel Speedmaster FOiS models are numbered editions. It’s unclear how many Sedna Gold Speedmaster FOiS watches Omega produced, but I doubt it’s a significant number. This watch flew under the radar! With a retail price of CHF 15,000 (converted to €14,800 at the time), we didn’t see it as a bargain. This is what Michael Stockton wrote at the time:
“I rarely go for gold-colored watches, but this FOiS in Sedna gold with dark brown panda dial looked amazing in person. Amongst all the new Omegas in Basel, and there were many, this is the one I’d like best on the wrist. The case design is fantastic and smaller than a normal Co-Axial Speedmaster and the dial is one of magical simplicity. Call me crazy, but I find the white space so stark and beautifully contrasting that it even reminds me slightly of a certain Rolex made famous by a certain actor turned salad dressing maker. At roughly 15,000 CHF, the price is a bit intergalactic, but it is a showstopper.”
Four years later, he purchased the 2019 Omega Speedmaster Professional in Moonshine Gold. I guess that in this short time, Mike’s perception of value changed drastically. It also shows how different pricing was at the time, not only for Omega but also for many other brands. The last official known retail price of this gold Speedmaster ref. 311.63.40.30.02.001 was €16,200.
Image: The WatchGuy Munich
Out of production since 2021
Now, a decade later, the Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold has been discontinued for four years, and prices on the pre-owned market are close to the original retail price of 2015. A quick look at Chrono24 shows that 14 are currently available, with asking prices ranging from roughly €10,300 to €15,600. Note that some of these prices are subject to import duties and/or VAT. It also depends on the condition of the watch, of course. For less than €15,000, you should be able to source a full set (with boxes and papers) in good condition without incurring taxes.
Appears thinner than its specs suggest
The 39.7mm case has a 14.4mm thickness, including the crystal, which wasn’t debated anywhere at that time. This only became a matter of concern in recent years. At least, it’s not something I remember people fussing about in those days. The Speedmaster’s profile and the box-type sapphire crystal also make it appear and feel slightly thinner than the spec sheet suggests. As always, it’s advisable to try it on before purchasing. In total, the watch (with its strap and Sedna Gold pin buckle) weighs 109 grams.
If you think the Speedmaster Professional (42mm) is too large for you but you’d like a gold piece, the Speedmaster First Omega in Space in 18K rose gold might be a very serious option.
A reminder of the Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold
I was reminded of this Sedna Gold FOiS during last year’s Dutch Speedmaster GTG. One of the guests (with an extensive collection) had one in his box. The straight-lug case design, the CK2998 alpha hands, and the panda dial are superb. Additionally, the case, crown, pushers, and pin buckle are crafted out of 18K rose gold.
I have only encountered this Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold with the original strap. I have never seen anyone put it on a NATO or a different leather strap. Every once in a while, I see this watch at one of the Speedmaster GTGs. But I think if I’ve seen five of them in total, that’s already a lot.
Worth considering
Omega’s Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold might not be the perfect choice for a first Speedmaster, but it’s certainly worth considering if you’re a collector. There was little demand for gold Speedmasters in the past, and Omega even decided to discontinue the gold Moonwatch in 2012. Since the brand released its new models with caliber 3861, we’ve also seen versions in Canopus, Sedna, and Moonshine Gold. You could say that the Sedna Gold Speedmaster FOiS was too early for the trend.
Those of you with a sharp eye might recall the 1997 Speedmaster “Golden Panda” for the Japanese market. That was a limited edition of 40 pieces, but it used the 42mm Moonwatch case.
Let us know what you think of this Speedmaster FOiS in Sedna Gold in the comments below.
