Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1960 Reference No: CK 2998-2 Movement No: 17'302'601 Model Name: Speedmaster Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, end links stamped 6, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp, stamped 4.60 Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production on June 2, 1960 and delivery to New Zealand.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1959, the Omega Speedmaster reference 2998 was the successor of the first model, reference 2915. It is also known for being the first Speedmaster in space as it was the personal watch of Wally Shirra during the Sigma 7 Mission of the Mercury program in October 1962.
This reference 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. The present example being the second iteration and thus bears the reference number 2998-2.
The present example features a dial that has turned an incredible and harmonious dark chocolate “tropical” dial that makes the cream colored luminous indexes and hands stand out even more. It is fitted with its original black tachometer bezel graduated to 1000 units and a lollipop chronograph seconds hand.
In excellent overall condition and fitted with its original bracelet stamped for the second quarter of 1960 the present 2998-2 has dashing charisma and good looks that are sure to speak to the avid collector of fine and rare vintage timepieces.
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.
Ref. CK 2998-2 A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with chocolate brown ‘tropical’ dial, tachometer bezel and bracelet
1960 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
