The 2012 OMEGA Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” is the numbered reference 311.32.40.30.01.001, created to commemorate astronaut Wally Schirra wearing his personal CK 2998 on the 1962 Sigma 7 mission. It has a 39.7 mm steel case and a manually wound calibre 1861. It is not the watch Schirra wore in space, and it is distinct from OMEGA’s 2024 re-edition.
What is the 2012 First OMEGA in Space?
Introduced at BaselWorld in 2012, the First OMEGA in Space is a commemorative Speedmaster based on the CK 2998 design. Its reference number is 311.32.40.30.01.001. OMEGA’s product record lists a 39.7 mm stainless-steel case, black dial, sapphire crystal, brown leather strap and manual-winding calibre 1861. The dial omits the word “Professional” and has an applied OMEGA logo, details noted in contemporaneous BaselWorld coverage. OMEGA product record · Fratello, March 12, 2012
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Omega Speedmaster '57 Co-Axial Chronograph 331.10.42.51.01.001 | $8,800.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Omega | $8,142.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Omega Speedmaster Automatic Mens Watch 304.30.44.52.01.001 | $10,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Limited Edition Men's Watch 311.32.40.30.02.001 | $10,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The edition was numbered, with the individual number engraved on the caseback. The caseback also bears “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962.” The 2012 product description gives the calibre 1861’s power reserve as 45 hours. 2012 product description reproduced by manuals.plus
Why is it called “First OMEGA in Space”?
OMEGA identifies the CK 2998, first released in 1959, as the second generation of the Speedmaster. Astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra bought one for personal use and wore it on the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, known as Sigma 7, which launched on October 3, 1962. OMEGA’s chronology records that the flight lasted 9 hours, 13 minutes and 11 seconds, with Schirra orbiting Earth six times. OMEGA, “First OMEGA in Space” · OMEGA space-exploration chronology
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- Model 331.10.42.51.01.001
That history belongs to Schirra’s personal CK 2998. The 2012 watch commemorates the event; it was not the watch flown on Sigma 7. The milestone also predates the Speedmaster’s later NASA qualification and its association with the Moonwatch story. OMEGA’s account is a corporate historical statement, not a first-person recollection by Schirra.
2012 model and 2024 re-edition: key differences
OMEGA revived the First OMEGA in Space name in 2024, but the later watch is a separate model with updated movement technology. Do not treat its specifications as those of the 2012 reference.
Rank #2
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
| Detail | 2012 First OMEGA in Space | 2024 re-edition |
|---|---|---|
| Reference and release | 311.32.40.30.01.001; numbered edition introduced at BaselWorld 2012 | 2024 revival; reference number not stated in the cited OMEGA article |
| Case diameter | 39.7 mm, stainless steel | 39.70 mm |
| Movement | Manual-winding calibre 1861 | Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 3861 |
| Certification | Not stated in the cited product record | METAS Master Chronometer certification |
| Dial and strap details | Black dial, applied OMEGA logo, no “Professional”; brown leather strap | Not stated here beyond the cited OMEGA article’s specifications |
| Caseback and power reserve | Numbered caseback with commemorative inscriptions; 45-hour reserve stated in the 2012 product description | Not stated in the cited OMEGA article |
Specifications for the 2024 edition in this comparison come from OMEGA’s article announcing the revival; the 2012 details come from OMEGA’s product record and the contemporaneous or reproduced 2012 descriptions. OMEGA’s 2024 article
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the 2012 reference still available?
OMEGA marks reference 311.32.40.30.01.001 as no longer available through its product channel. That does not establish whether a particular example is currently for sale elsewhere, nor does it verify a market price. For a pre-owned example, confirm the reference, condition, authenticity, included documentation and service history with the seller or a qualified watch professional.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Model 311.32.40.30.02.001
Rank #3
- Model 304.30.44.52.01.001
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
