Omega - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 2915-2
    Movement No: 15’996’297
    Model Name: Speedmaster, “Broad Arrow”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on January 23, 1959 and its delivery to Jamaica.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 2915-2, please see Omega Sportswatches by John Goldberger, pp. 102-103.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the field of wristwatches, the Speedmaster is a true icon, and the most historically important model made by Omega. Its history spans almost 70 years, with the very first Speedmaster launched in 1957, having slowly and gracefully evolved through the decades with a variety of dial, handset, bezel, and bracelet variations. As a result of this intentional process, today’s modern Speedmaster line has unmistakable ties to the original. The first generation model, the 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.

    In production only between 1957 and 1959, the reference 2915 was produced in three different iterations: -1, -2, and -3. CK2915-1 and -2 are 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 “O” would later become perfectly round. Also the case has details which would later be abandoned, such as the “Speedmaster” designation engraved on the slanted edge of the case back rather than on the center.

    The present lot, a reference 2915-2, belongs to the second iteration of 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, followed by the dial configuration. The Omega signature features the iconic "fat" O followed by the slightly longer "r" in the Speedmaster signature. Its original “broad arrow” hands are well preserved, and the dial is stunning, with luminous hour markers perfectly matching the hands’ luminous material.

    Offered in wonderful overall condition with the movement recently serviced, this Speedmaster from 1959 is an all-original, textbook example of one of the very first Speedmaster models - an enduringly iconic reference revered by enthusiasts, and a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • 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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Ref. 2915-2
An early and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Extract from the Archives

1959
38.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF36,000-72,000
€37,000-74,000
HK$313,000-625,000
S$53,800-108,000

Sold for $53,340

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023