Omega - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 2915-2
    Movement No: 15’997’871
    Model Name: Speedmaster “Broad Arrow”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega partially extensible ladder bracelet, end links stamped no. 6, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp, stamped 1.59
    Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by period-correct Omega presentation box with corduroy interior. Further accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent delivery to Venezuela on January 30, 1959.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the field of wristwatches, the Speedmaster is a true icon, and universally acknowledged as the most historically important model made by Omega. Its history spans over sixty years with the very first Speedmaster launched in 1957, having slowly and gracefully evolved through the decades with a variety of dial, hand, bezel, and bracelet variations. Today’s modern Speedmaster line has unmistakable ties to the original. The first-generation model, reference CK 2915, is considered by collectors as “the grail” for a number of reasons. In terms of design, it was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale (or, as Omega called it at the time, the Tacho-productometer scale) on the bezel, rather than on the dial. In terms of movements, Omega did not go for a brand new caliber, turning instead to caliber 321, an extremely robust and reliable column-wheel chronograph, which it recognized as the best available option for its new Speedmaster model.

    In production only between 1957 and 1959, the reference 2915 was produced in three different iterations: -1, -2, and -3. CK2915-1 and -2 are the very first – and most collectible - Speedmaster models. They have unique differences from all later generations of Speedmasters, most notably in their dial graphics and important elements of case design. The large, “Broad Arrow” minute and hour hands are one such trait, but also the metal bezel - rather than a bezel with black insert - and slightly different dial graphics, distinguishable by the oval “O” of Omega. This oval would later become perfectly round. Also the case has details which would later be abandoned, such as the “Speedmaster” designation engraved on the beveled, outer edge of the case back rather than on the center, and the hippocampus engraving would be added later.

    The present lot, a reference 2915-2, belongs to the second iteration of the first generation of Speedmasters, fitted with all of its original parts exhibiting all of the early details collectors adore. The first is the rare Base 1000 metal bezel, followed by the dial configuration. The Omega signature features the iconic "fat" O followed by the slightly longer "r" in the Speedmaster signature, and the caseback bears a crisp “Speedmaster” engraving on the edge of the caseback. Preserved in exceptional overall condition, it comes with its period correct Omega presentation box with corduroy interior and gold-stamped seahorse on the top of the box. According to the Omega Extract from the Archives, this reference 2915-2 was delivered to Venezuela in the first month of 1959, perfectly matching the 1.59 stamp on its partially-extensible Omega bracelet.

  • 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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140

Ref. 2915-2
An early and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Extract from the Archives, and presentation box

1959
38.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF46,300-92,500
€44,300-88,600
HK$390,000-780,000

Sold for $138,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021