The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The name conjures images of lunar landings, intrepid astronauts, and a legacy of unparalleled reliability in the harshest of environments. But before the moon landings cemented its place in history, the Speedmaster had another, less widely known, claim to fame: it was the *first* Omega watch in space. This distinction, often overshadowed by the Apollo 11 mission, is inextricably linked to a specific detail on the dial: the subdials, and specifically their design and placement on early Speedmaster models, like the iconic Omega Speedmaster 2915. This article will delve deep into the significance of the subdial arrangement on the "First Omega in Space" watches, exploring their design, history, and the crucial role they played in the watch's space-faring journey.
The story begins not with a triumphant moon landing, but with a pioneering Mercury mission. On October 3, 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra strapped an Omega Speedmaster CK2998 onto his wrist for the Sigma 7 mission. This was the first time an Omega Speedmaster flew in space, marking a pivotal moment in the watch's – and indeed, Omega's – history. While the exact model number worn by Schirra is subject to some debate amongst collectors, its design elements, including the characteristic subdial layout, are consistent with the early Speedmaster models that paved the way for the legendary Moonwatch. This makes understanding the subdial design crucial to understanding the "First Omega in Space" story.
The Omega Speedmaster 1959 and the Genesis of the Subdial:
The Omega Speedmaster's journey began in 1957 with the release of the first Speedmaster, ref. CK2915. This model, often considered the precursor to the iconic Moonwatch, showcased a chronograph function with three subdials arranged in a distinct configuration. These subdials, located at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, formed the foundation for the chronograph's functionality. The subdial at 3 o'clock served as the 30-minute counter, the one at 6 o'clock tracked the running seconds, and the subdial at 9 o'clock displayed the 12-hour counter. This layout, while functional, was also aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the watch's overall design appeal.
The evolution from the CK2915 to the CK2998, worn by Schirra, marked subtle but significant changes. These changes, while not drastically altering the fundamental design, refined the aesthetics and improved readability. The transition from the broad arrow hands to the more refined baton hands is a key example. However, the three subdial arrangement remained consistent, underscoring its importance to the watch's functionality and enduring design language. The subdials themselves, on these early models, featured a distinct circular pattern, a design detail which, while seemingly minor, contributes to the overall vintage charm and collectibility of these early Speedmasters. They're also present here, with sloping steps down to a circular-pattern subdial, a detail that contributes to the watch's unique visual identity.
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