Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1958 Reference No: 2915-2 Movement No: 15’500’546 Model Name: Speedmaster “Broad Arrow” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, end link stamped “6”, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: For another example of a reference 2915-2, please see Omega Sportswatches by John Goldberger, page 102 and 103
Catalogue Essay
As the first reference of the well distinguished Speedmaster series launched in 1957, the reference 2915 is arguably one of and if not the most important reference throughout the history of Omega. The reference 2915 was nicknamed "The Broad Arrow" due to its oddly oversize arrowhead shaped hour hand. A total of three series were produced from the period of 1957-1959, making the reference 2915 a rare and highly sought after reference. Another clear differentiation between the reference 2915 and the latter Speedmaster references was that it was fitted with a solid stainless steel bezel instead of the commonly sighted black bezel.
Initially designed for racecar drivers, the Speedmaster went on to achieve greater things, such as space. Worn by Neil Armstrong during Apollo 11, it was the first wristwatch worn to space. The event instantly gave the Speedmaster a holy status. Due to its robust design and its reliable performance the Speedmaster is considered as one of the best "tool" watches since the launch of its first reference till date.
The present example is a reference 2915-2, a second series produced in 1958. The present example is fitted with a period correct base 1000 tachymeter scale, fat "O" and long "R" on the signature and the original semi-extendable bracelet.
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.