Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1959 Reference No: 2998-1 Movement No: 17'301'174 Model Name: Speedmaster Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped 3.59 Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract of the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial and luminous indexes, and its subsequent sale to Italy on October 27, 1959.
Catalogue Essay
A true horological icon, the Omega Speedmaster has been captivating collectors for over 60 years. The reference 2998 was launched in 1959 to replace the original reference 2915 and was in production for only 3 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 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.
With a movement number 17’301’174 this is one of the earliest, and most impressive reference 2998s known and important within the history of the Omega Speedmaster.
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 offering optimal performance and reliability.
Fitted with its original black tachometer bezel graduated to 1000 units, the watch features an amazing dial that has turned to a beautiful and rich chestnut color, giving the watch incredible charisma and appeal. Furthermore the luminous material has aged evenly and now displays a warm, matching patina. As an even added detail, the case back is so well-preserved that it even retains some of the original enamel on the Omega logo - an impressive feat in itself.
The overall appealing condition, compelling dial and historical relevance will make this reference 2998-1 a must have in a collection of rare vintage watches.
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. 2998-1 An incredibly rare, early and very well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with chestnut colored "tropical" dial and bracelet
1959 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
