202
Omega
Ref. 2998-1
Speedmaster
An extremely well-preserved, early and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "tropical" dial and bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF30,000 - 60,000$30,000 - 60,100€30,900 - 61,800
CHF119,700
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Omega
- Year
- 1960
- Reference No
- 2998-1
- Movement No
- 17'302'157
- Model Name
- Speedmaster
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Omega bracelet, endlinks stamped 6, max length 195mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp further stamped 4.59
- Dimensions
- 39mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch on January 15, 1960 and its delivery to the "Netherlands Antilles".
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Let us start by saying that the present lot is most probably the best-preserved example of an Omega Speedmaster reference 2998 we have ever seen. The case, paired with its original bracelet, appears untouched and it seems that this beauty has been asleep in a safe since the early 1960s. Fitted with its original black tachymeter bezel graduated to 1000 units, the watch features an amazing dial that has turned a surprising dark chocolate color giving the watch incredible charisma and appeal.
Widely known as the first and only watch worn on the moon, the Omega Speedmaster has been captivating collectors for over 60 years. The reference 2998 was launched in 1959 to replace the original reference 2915 and was in production for only 3 short years as production ceased in 1962 (even though some examples were still being delivered the year after).
Small modifications (different hands, bezels or dials) were made to reference 2998 throughout its production period, each modification being defined by the number after the hyphen in the reference number inscribed in the caseback. In this case: 2998-1 means it was the first iteration of this reference.
This reference is powered by the famed Lemania caliber 321, revered amongst watch enthusiasts for its robust chronograph mechanism. The manual wound caliber was used by Omega from 1946-1968 offering optimal performance and reliability.
Adding even more excitement to this piece is that the Omega archives reveal that the present watch was part of a batch delivered to “Netherlands Antilles”. Actually, two other examples of this batch with very close movement numbers have appeared on the market in recent years.
The incredible condition, compelling dial and historical relevance render this reference 2998-1 a must have in a collection of rare vintage watches.
Widely known as the first and only watch worn on the moon, the Omega Speedmaster has been captivating collectors for over 60 years. The reference 2998 was launched in 1959 to replace the original reference 2915 and was in production for only 3 short years as production ceased in 1962 (even though some examples were still being delivered the year after).
Small modifications (different hands, bezels or dials) were made to reference 2998 throughout its production period, each modification being defined by the number after the hyphen in the reference number inscribed in the caseback. In this case: 2998-1 means it was the first iteration of this reference.
This reference is powered by the famed Lemania caliber 321, revered amongst watch enthusiasts for its robust chronograph mechanism. The manual wound caliber was used by Omega from 1946-1968 offering optimal performance and reliability.
Adding even more excitement to this piece is that the Omega archives reveal that the present watch was part of a batch delivered to “Netherlands Antilles”. Actually, two other examples of this batch with very close movement numbers have appeared on the market in recent years.
The incredible condition, compelling dial and historical relevance render this reference 2998-1 a must have in a collection of rare vintage watches.
Omega
Swiss | 1848Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.
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