製造商: Omega 年份: 1959 型號: 2998-1 機芯編號: 17’301’241 型號名稱: Speedmaster 材料: Stainless steel 機芯: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels 尺寸: 39mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, and movement signed. 配件: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch on November 24th, 1959 and its delivery to Switzerland.
圖錄文章
The reference 2998 was launched in 1959 to replace the original reference 2915 and was in production for only three 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 short production period, each modification being defined by the number after the hyphen in the reference number inscribed in the case back. In this case: 2998-1 meaning it was the first iteration of this reference. Even within this short timeframe, eight case variations were made (-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -61, -62), indicating how intensively Omega was honing the design of the Speedmaster – they clearly viewed the reference as integral to their success as a brand. The present -1 example is one of the earliest made: the -1 variation is found with serial numbers between 17’301’xxx and 17-761’xxx. The present piece bears movement no. 17’301’241, indicating it is one of the very first examples to leave Omega’s workshop.
It is interesting to know that while this is of course a pre-moon model, reference 2998 was the first Omega in space (albeit unofficially): it flew on the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra as his personal watch in October 1962.
The reference 2998 offered here possesses all the sought-after characteristics of the -1 references, including the base 1000 tachymeter bezel, “lollipop” chronograph hand, and double bevelled caseback with hippocampus logo. It is powered by the legendary caliber 321 and delivered with an Extract from the Archives of Omega. With a well-preserved dial and the lume aged to an attractive autumnal color, this is an attractive example of one of the most important Speedmaster references ever produced.
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.
