Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: CK2915-1
    Movement No: 15’500’198
    Model Name: Speedmaster “Broad Arrow”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present timepiece on 9th January 1958 and its subsequent delivery to Switzerland.
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in the book Moonwatch Only, 60 years of Omega Speedmaster, by Grégoire Rossier & Anthony Marquie, pp. 244-251.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the field of wristwatches, the Speedmaster is a true icon, and universally acknowledged as the most historically important model made by Omega. Its history spans for sixty five years with the very first Speedmaster launched in 1957, having slowly and gracefully evolved through the decades with a variety of dial, hand, bezel, and bracelet variations. Today’s modern Speedmaster line has unmistakable ties to the original. The first-generation model, reference CK 2915, is considered by collectors as “the grail” for a number of reasons. In terms of design, it was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale (or, as Omega called it at the time, the Tacho-productometer scale) on the bezel, rather than on the dial. In terms of movements, Omega did not go for a brand new caliber, turning instead to caliber 321, an extremely robust and reliable column-wheel chronograph, which it recognized as the best available option for its new Speedmaster model.

    In production only between 1957 and 1959, the reference 2915 was produced in three different iterations: -1, -2, and -3. CK2915-1 is the very first – and most collectible - Speedmaster models. They have unique differences from all later generations of Speedmasters, most notably in their dial graphics and important elements of case design. The large, “Broad Arrow” minute and hour hands are one such trait, but also the metal bezel - rather than a bezel with black insert - and slightly different dial graphics, distinguishable by the oval “O” of Omega. This oval would later become perfectly round. Also the case has details which would later be abandoned, such as the “Speedmaster” designation engraved on the beveled, outer edge of the case back rather than on the center, and the hippocampus engraving would be added later.

    The present lot, a reference 2915-1, belongs to the first generation of Speedmasters, fitted with all of its original parts exhibiting all of the early details collectors adore. The first is the rare Base 1000 metal bezel with the iconic “flat top 3” followed by the dial configuration. The Omega signature features the iconic "Oval" O and the caseback bears a crisp “Speedmaster” engraving on the edge of the caseback. A great opportunity for all Speedy collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    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.

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Property from an Important Omega Collector

1066

Ref. CK2915-1
An early and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch

1958
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$550,000 - 940,000 
€70,100-120,000
$70,500-121,000

Sold for HK$2,394,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022