The new UK perfect replica Omega Speedmaster FOiS (for First Omega in Space) is the perfect example of a watch that’s not particularly spectacular, groundbreaking or innovative. But more often than not, a great watch doesn’t need to be a game-changer. The 2024 Speedmaster FOiS comes in continuity to a concept introduced in 2012, a vintage-inspired watch celebrating the first space flight of an Omega watch. It retains what should be retained, it upgrades what could be upgraded and somehow brings what the fan base wanted to see in this watch. Following our introducing article, it’s time now for us to bring our hands-on impressions… And also to compare this new FOiS to the now-discontinued 1st-generation Speedmaster First Omega in Space.
While we’ll dive into the specifics of the 2024 Speedmaster FOiS in a bit, you can start by reading several stories that might be of help in this context. We won’t re-do the entire story of the original 1962 Mercury-Atlas 8 mission and the watch worn by astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra, but you can check it here. Also, you can read our in-depth article about the 2012 Speedmaster FOiS here, to give you a solid idea of what we’re about to discuss. Now, we’ll focus on what we thought about the new Speedmaster First best fake Omega in Space and how it compares to the previous generation.
THE NEW SPEEDMASTER FOIS
Like the 2012 edition, which was discontinued in 2021, the new UK high quality copy Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space is inspired by the watch Wally Schirra wore on his October 1962 flight onboard the Sigma 7 spacecraft. As such, it is modelled after a second-generation Speedmaster, the 1959 reference CK2998 (and to be precise a reference CK2998-4, as worn by Wally Schirra). This means an early Speedmaster with a symmetrical case, straight lugs, unprotected crown and pushers, and a calibre 321 inside (like the first-gen CK2915) but some evolutions too, such as a black aluminium bezel insert with base-500 tachymeter scale and metallic Alpha hands (replacing the initial broad arrow hands, but preceding the classic white baton hands that will be found on all Pro Speedies later).
But while the inspiration is the same, the new buy replica Omega Speedmaster FOiS has changed compared to the old version, in many more aspects than you might think at first sight. We’re here talking about a wide collection of updates and upgrades that range from minimal visual adjustments to deeper evolutions that are not necessarily obvious at first, but make a world of difference – at least within the small world of Speedmaster fans.
It starts with a case that mimics the look and proportions of the old CK2998. As such, the steel case has the classic symmetrical shape with straight lugs, no lateral protection for the crown and pushers (which was introduced later with the ST 105.012, around 1964) and a bezel equipped with a black anodized aluminium insert. The measurements are copied on the old paypal copy watches too, at least for most of it, with a 39.7mm diameter (which is the diameter of the bezel, the mid-case is slightly smaller), a thickness of 13.4mm (a pleasant 0.6mm less than the gen-1 FOiS) and a rather long case of 48mm – symmetrical Speedmasters were always longer than the more recent Professional models, which is 47.5mm in its current form.
This is for the wide image. A closer inspection reveals an array of evolutions compared to the 2012 model. In fact, I will go as far as saying that these two online replica watches probably share only very few parts. A closer inspection reveals that, for instance, the shape of the lugs has been revised with a less angled lateral bevel. The crown and pushers are also different and enlarged on the new FOiS, the crown being thicker and both elements closer in style to the CK2998.
Then, there’s also a new bezel insert. While it remains done in black aluminium and bears a base-500 tachymeter scale, the look is now faithful to the vintage watch with the “dot over 90” (DON) and “diagonal 70” (minimal changes, but some that matter to the fans). The main and most important evolution concerns the crystal. For years, Speedmaster watches equipped with a sapphire crystal featured a tall, chimney-shaped crystal with a “milky ring” effect. With the 2024 Speedmaster FOiS, UK cheap super clone Omega watches are bringing a new sapphire crystal that’s been shaped almost identically to the Hesalite crystal, thus far more rounded and domed, with a more faithful vintage style. It adds an undeniable layer of charm and even comes with the small Ω logo engraved in the centre. Somehow, we now have the best of both worlds; the resistance of sapphire and the great looks of Hesalite.
Moving to the back, the new Speedmaster FOiS also enhances its vintage feeling with a new caseback with a double-stepped profile and a far more discreet, more historically relevant engravings including the classic seahorse and the mention of the date of Schirra’s flight. There’s no more mention of the unique number of the shop fake watches like in the past, as the newest FOiS isn’t a numbered edition anymore.
As we’re talking about what’s happening on the back, there are fairly important evolutions here too, as this First Swiss made replica Omega in Space is now powered by the Calibre 3861, the latest evolution of the brand’s emblematic hand-wound chronograph. Despite being based on the same architecture as the 2012 FOiS, itself based on a movement found in the Speedmaster since the late 1960s, the new calibre brings its fair share of modernity, with a co-axial escapement, anti-magnetic parts including silicon escapement and balance spring and a stop-seconds mechanism. Like most modern Omega movements, it is Master Chronometer-certified by METAS, can resist strong magnetic fields, its accuracy is rated for 0/+5 seconds/day and it comes with a 5-year warranty. Yet, it retains a classic 3Hz frequency and a cam-operated chronograph mechanism.
Moving on to the dial, there are once again major updates here. The most obvious evolution of this new Speedmaster FOiS is the colour. The watch now has a sunray-brushed dial with a (extremely hard to catch in photo) grey-blue CVD colour that is a tribute to rare vintage Speedmasters. The colour is discreet to the point of having a dial that appears black in most conditions. Only when the light hits the dial at the right angle, it’ll add a touch of colour – which is for the best. Going into the details, you can note that the dial has now multiple references to the past, such as a stepped profile, elongated 5-minute markers, historical logos (whether the applied Ω but also the Omega and Speedmaster mentions in the vintage font) and classic bowl-shaped sunken sub-dials. Hands are classic Alpha-shaped in polished metal like they should be on a CK2998. And yes, UK luxury fake Omega watches have added radium-like fauxtina on markers and hands… It’s a point of debate, but this dark lume colour adds charm and differentiates it from a normal Speedmaster Moonwatch. To each his own.
Last but not least, AAA replica Omega continues to offer the Speedmaster FOiS on a leather strap, closed by a pin buckle – you’ll have the choice between brown and black leather – but also now (finally) adds the option for a steel bracelet. Owners of the old model have long used third-party suppliers but now the FOiS has its own, genuine flat-link bracelet with brushed centre links, polished outer links and a nice vintage look. The bracelet is thin, flexible and nicely executed, and is closed by a folding clasp with tool-free micro-adjustment. It measures 19mm between the lugs, like the original CK2998.