Released in 1957 and based on their earlier chronographs from the 1920s and '30s, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Named after the purpose of the tachymeter along its bezel, the Speedmaster was designed for race car drivers and pilots to time events and make rapid calculations. While these adrenaline-fueled activities might be not for the faint-hearted, they weren't what made the Speedmaster so iconic - that was its use in space and on the Moon. Following a grueling series of tests with several competing brands, the Speedmaster debuted in space as a piece of NASA standard-issue equipment during the Gemini program of 1965. However, the Speedmaster’s journey into outer space began in 1962 when astronaut Walter Schirra wore his Speedmaster to space on October 3rd of that same year after going watch shopping in Houston, Texas a few months before the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. Knowing he would be the fifth person in space and with an aviation background, Schirra would have known of Omega’s performance, and what was required in flight and in space, so he purchased a Speedmaster ref. CK2998, which the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” ref. 311.32 is based on. With its clean black dial, symmetrical case design, manual-wind movement, and stunning handset, the ref. 311.32 is about as close to the ref. CK2998 as Omega could have gotten it while still embracing modern horology - a true treat for Omega collectors.

In Excellent overall condition with hardly any wear visible. This numbered anniversary edition is complete with box and papers.

Celebrating the beginning of Omega's journey as the first watchmaker worn on the moon and their defining role in saving Apollo 13 from certain disaster in 1970, the ref. 311.32 is a wonderful reminder of Omega's contribution to modern space exploration.