Omega - Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” CK2998 40mm SS/SS Dark Blue TVSF Cal.3861

TVS Factory Omega Speedmaster CK2998 (Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001), equipped with the Omega Master Chronometer Caliber 3861 manual-winding movement. Stainless steel construction, baton-style luminous hour markers, chronograph and anti‑magnetic functions, folding clasp, sapphire crystal, black ceramic bezel, polished stainless steel caseback, and a flat‑link bracelet.

Omega Speedmaster “First Omega In Space” CK 2998 (Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001)
A Detailed History & Modern Review

1. Origins of the CK 2998

• 1957: The Birth of the Speedmaster
  Omega introduces its first Speedmaster, the CK 2915, with broad‐arrow hands and a steel bezel tachymeter.

• 1959: Launch of CK 2998
  The second‐generation Speedmaster debuts as the CK 2998, gaining a black‐aluminum bezel, slimmer “alpha” hands (and optional “lollipop” chronograph hand), a slightly larger 40 mm case, and improved water resistance. Over the next few years, Omega produced several CK 2998 sub‐references, each with subtle dial and bezel variations prized by collectors today.

2. The First Omega in Space

• October 3, 1962: Mercury‑Atlas 8 Mission
  Wally Schirra privately purchases and wears a CK 2998 aboard the Sigma 7 flight, making it the very first Omega in space. His real‑world test helped convince NASA to qualify the Speedmaster for all crewed missions—paving the way for its lunar debut in 1969.

3. Modern Homage: Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001

Omega’s 2024 reissue faithfully captures Schirra’s milestone under a contemporary lens:

• Case & Crystal

  • 39.70 mm × 14.25 mm stainless‑steel case—slightly more compact than the 42 mm Moonwatch, offering everyday comfort.

  • Fixed black‑aluminum tachymeter bezel with the “dot over ninety” detail.

  • Domed hesalite‐style sapphire crystal (inner anti‑reflective) preserves vintage charm while boosting scratch resistance.

  • 50 m water resistance—safe for daily wear (but not swimming).

• Dial & Hands

  • Signature grey‑blue “First Omega In Space” sunburst dial with black bi‑compax subdials (30‑minute counter at 3 o’clock; running seconds at 9 o’clock).

  • Applied black hour markers and broad arrow‐style hands filled with cream‑toned Super‑LumiNova for that period‑correct patina.

• Movement

  • Caliber 3861: Manual‑wind, Master Chronometer‑certified.

  • 3 Hz frequency, ~50 hours power reserve.

  • Co‑Axial escapement, silicon balance spring, and magnetic resistance up to 15 000 gauss.

  • Finishing includes rhodium plating, Geneva stripes, blackened screws, and a gold‑engraved rotor visible through the display back.

• Bracelet & Fit

  • Polished‑and‑brushed flat‑link stainless‑steel bracelet with comfort‑release micro‑adjustment.

  • At just under 40 mm and ~45 mm lug‑to‑lug, it suits a wide range of wrists, blending classic Speedmaster proportions with modern wearability.

4. Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
True homage to 1962 space‑flight provenance	Hesalite‑style crystal still more prone to scratches than pure sapphire
Master Chronometer Caliber 3861 with Co‑Axial escapement	50 m water resistance limits aquatic activities
Compact 39.7 mm case ideal for everyday use	Bi‑compax layout offers fewer timing scales than tri‑compax models
High‑contrast grey‑blue dial with vintage flair	Vintage colorway may not suit all tastes

The Speedmaster CK 2998 Ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001 beautifully marries NASA‐era heritage with modern horological advances. It honors Wally Schirra’s pioneering spaceflight while equipping today’s wearer with Master Chronometer precision and wearable dimensions. For enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection to Omega’s space legacy—wrapped in a stylish, everyday‐ready package—the CK 2998 reissue stands out as one of the purest, most compelling Speedmasters available.