Omega’s original Speedmaster, reference 2915, was the first tool watch to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of to the dial, which had been the norm for chronograph wristwatches throughout the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. This innovative design would be a game changer and within a few years, it was employed by many brands. First released in 1957, the reference 2915 featured the foundations for all future Speedmaster timepieces, and it is from this lineage the series of reference 2998 was born. Released in 1959, early examples like the present watch used the famed Lemania caliber 321, which is revered amongst watch enthusiasts for its robust chronograph mechanism. The manual wound caliber was used by Omega from 1946-1968, and while small in size at 27mm diameter, it offered optimal performance and reliability.
Reference 2998 was in production for only 4 years (1959-1963) but during that time 8 case variations were made (-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -61, -62), indicating how intensively Omega was updating their designs. 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. 17’301’483, indicating it is one of the very first example to leave Omega’s workshop.
Furthermore, it presents a remarkably well preserved and attractive dial, most notably the luminous material of hands and indexes has aged to an intense camel hue, enormously amplifying the charm and vintage vibe of the piece.
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 on astronaut Wally Schirra as his personal watch in October 1962.
An intriguing historical detail is found in the Extract from the Archives. It states that the watch was originally sold to the Associated Foreign Exchange Base (AFEX) of the US Aviation.
