The original Speedmaster reference 2915 was in production for only two years until it was replaced in 1959 by the present model, reference 2998. The reference 2998, in turn, only had a production run for approximately three years, through 1962, though models were still being delivered in 1963. 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 on the inner caseback. This particular reference, the 2998-3, differs from its predecessors the 2998-1 and 2998-2 in the composition of the dial and the choice of hands. 2998-1 and 2998-2 feature either a flat or stepped dial, the ‘Speedmaster’ and ‘Omega’ printings are slightly different, longer secondary markers on the minute subsidiary dial, and a lollipop chronograph hand. The reference book Moonwatch Only classifies these dials as A4 dials with short markers and round ‘O’, while the present lot is fitted with its original and correct A5-type dial with longer markers and the ‘Swiss Made’ designation printed quite low on the dial.

This particular reference features a stepped dial and rare case with straight lugs, all housing the vaunted Lemania-based Omega caliber 321. It furthermore features the rounded ‘O’ in the printed logo, correct long minute markers in the minute counter subdial, applied Omega logo, and its original ‘Dot Over Ninety’ black aluminum bezel insert graduated to 500 units. An Omega steel bracelet reference 7077/6, the first Speedmaster bracelet with partially expandable links, completes a highly desirable timepiece for the collector.