Omega - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021

  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1962
    Reference No: 2998-61
    Movement No: 18’946’488
    Model Name: Speedmaster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega semi-expandable bracelet, max length 180mm length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped 7912, and 3.61
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on August 28th, 1962 with luminous indexes, and its subsequent delivery to Japan. Further accompanied by a letter from the original owner, original “paid” Layaway Ticket from the Navy Exchange Guam MI dated September 25, 1963, original Omega hang tag, owner’s photographs and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Widely known as the first and only wristwatch worn on the moon, the celebrated Omega Speedmaster is a design icon in the world of stainless steel chronograph wristwatches. The first Speedmaster, reference 2915 was launched in 1957 and remained in production until 1959 when its successor, the reference 2998, was introduced. The reference 2998 was produced for approximately three years with production ending in 1962 though the model was still being delivered in 1963. Small modifications like different hands, bezels and dials were made to the reference throughout its manufacture, with each modification defined by the number after the hyphen in the reference number inscribed on the inner caseback.

    Not only is the present reference 2998-61 extremely well preserved, but it also comes with a fascinating military provenance. It is accompanied by a signed letter from the original owner, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant who purchased this Speedmaster at the US Naval Exchange in Guam in 1963. The lieutenant was a Naval flight navigator attached to the A3D-2P squadron in Guam know for heavy photo-reconnaissance. Worn on his wrist for many day and overnight flight missions over the Pacific Ocean and Vietnam, he used it successfully as a tool for celestial navigation during an era when GPS had not yet been developed.

    Featuring legendary caliber 321, widely considered amongst the best manually wound chronograph movements available. Furthermore, the watch has the correct black tachometer bezel graduated to 500 units, along with original chronograph hands as well as lovely luminous plots that have aged to a warm brown tone. The chronograph also is correct with the Omega steel bracelet reference 7912.

    The Speedmaster was targeted for ‘active clientele’ solidifying its role as the official timekeeper of NASA, Olympics, and everyday sports enthusiasts, as well as flight navigators who completed missions for the US Navy. In exceptional, original condition and further accompanied with its purchase receipt, original hang tag, and photograph of the original owner wearing the watch, the present lot is a rare opportunity to own a timepiece that is part of Omega’s long history in the world of flight.

  • 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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112

Omega

Ref. 2998-61
A well-preserved, early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Extract from the Archives, documentary letter, photograph, hang tag, and original purchase invoice

1962
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$15,000 - 30,000 
CHF13,900-27,800
€13,300-26,600
HK$117,000-234,000

Sold for $44,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021