REACHING FOR THE STARS

A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.

- ANANDHI GOPINATH

IN AN ERA when space was the ultimate frontier, one object quietly made history. Strapped to the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra as he launched into orbit on October 3, 1962, was the Omega Speedmaster CK 2998-a personal choice, not NASA's, marking the start of an extraordinary journey for Omega in space. Fast forward to 2024, and the First Omega in Space, or FOIS, timepiece returns, an homage to that daring moment but with a thoroughly modern twist.

For Omega, this reissue is more than a nostalgic nod to the past, but a reflection of their mastery in blending the old with the new, a delicate balance that few can achieve without seeming trite or derivative. The FOIS honours the original in both design and spirit, but with a crisp, contemporary update that keeps it relevant. The genius lies in how Omega has resisted the urge to simply replicate history; instead, they've evolved it.