Omega - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: 2998-1
    Movement No: 17’302’937
    Model Name: Speedmaster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Omega stainless steel, reference 7912, end links stamped 6, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 3.63
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box. Furthermore, this watch is offered with an Extract from the Archives confirming its production date on September 7, 1960 and delivery to Italy.
    Literature: For a similar example see Omega Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 222.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Widely known as the first and only watch worn on the moon, the celebrated Omega Speedmaster is certainly a design icon in the world
    of stainless steel chronograph wristwatches. The first Speedmaster, reference 2915, was launched
 in 1957 and remained in production until 1959, when its successor – the present lot with reference 2998, was introduced. The Speedmaster was targeted for ‘active clientele’, solidifying its position as the official Olympic timekeeper.

    The superb example offered here dates to 1960, and features the legendary Omega caliber 321. Fitted with its original black tachometer bezel graduated to 1000 units, the scale was designed for scientists and sportsmen to be able to quickly calculate speed in conjunction with the chronograph complication. The original chronograph hands and the luminous hour markers on the dial are amazingly well-preserved for a watch from this time period. Its original Omega steel reference 7912 bracelet, with expandable links, completes it.

    This watch has aged beautifully over time, developing a charming and unique chocolate-tone color. This reference 2998-1 is offered in a superb condition and it is accompanied by its original presentation box, representing a great value for the savvy collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega'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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Ref. 2998-1
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with ‘tropical’ dial, tachometer bezel, bracelet and original presentation box.

1960
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 

Sold for CHF85,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016