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Lot Essay
This exceedingly rare chronograph is from the second series of this first ever Speedmaster production, bearing the reference 2915-2. It is notable for its original condition and even brown tropicalized dial. With so few early reference 2915-1 and 2915-2 examples known to the market, particularly retaining the original steel bezel and correct hands, this presents a rare opportunity to purchase an extraordinary original ‘broad arrow’ Speedmaster.
Launched in 1957, the celebrated Omega "Speedmaster" was the creation of Pierre Moinat, head of Omega's "creative" department, with the case designed by Claude Baillod and the prototype made by George Hartmann. The watch was originally destined for "men who reckon time in seconds", i.e. automobile racers, athletes, engineers and scientists, the tachymetre scale engraved on the bezel allowing the calculation of speed at a glimpse, hence the name "Speedmaster". As the thought of men on the moon was still in the realm of science fiction at the time, it was only later that it became the "Moon Watch".
Even before its conquest of space, the "Speedmaster" was and still is one of the most iconic watches in production and can be considered the progenitor of the water-resistant sports chronograph. The most important improvement is unquestionably the tachymeter scale on the bezel as opposed to being printed on the dial, hence rendering the dial more legible while simplifying the calculation of speed. In the years to come, this revolutionary feature was incorporated by most other watch manufacturers, notably by Rolex when introducing the "Daytona" in the 1960s.
The original "Speedmaster Broad Arrow" ref. CK 2915 such as the present watch has a 39 mm. water-resistant case with engraved steel bezel graduated to 300 km/h, its principle characteristics, the "Broad Arrow" shaped hands, and the calibre 321 movement protected by an anti-magnetic soft iron cap. The dial exhibits some very distinctive features such as the applied metal "Omega" logo as opposed to the printed version, the "Omega" signature in a different font, appearing smaller and thinner, the letters "O" and "G" almost oval in shape, and the simple "Swiss Made" below 6 o'clock, without the "T" designation.
In 1959, the model became ref. 2998, the "Broad Arrow" hands were replaced with "Alpha" hands and the engraved steel bezel by the version with black insert graduated to 500 km/h.
The "Speedmaster Broad Arrow" is described and illustrated in Marco Richon's Omega - A Journey Through Time, pp. 596 - 597, Omega Saga, pp. 372 – 374, Omega Sportswatches by John Goldberger, pp. 95 - 107, where it is prominently featured on the cover and in Moonwatch Only, Rossier & Marquié, pp. 246 - 247.
Launched in 1957, the celebrated Omega "Speedmaster" was the creation of Pierre Moinat, head of Omega's "creative" department, with the case designed by Claude Baillod and the prototype made by George Hartmann. The watch was originally destined for "men who reckon time in seconds", i.e. automobile racers, athletes, engineers and scientists, the tachymetre scale engraved on the bezel allowing the calculation of speed at a glimpse, hence the name "Speedmaster". As the thought of men on the moon was still in the realm of science fiction at the time, it was only later that it became the "Moon Watch".
Even before its conquest of space, the "Speedmaster" was and still is one of the most iconic watches in production and can be considered the progenitor of the water-resistant sports chronograph. The most important improvement is unquestionably the tachymeter scale on the bezel as opposed to being printed on the dial, hence rendering the dial more legible while simplifying the calculation of speed. In the years to come, this revolutionary feature was incorporated by most other watch manufacturers, notably by Rolex when introducing the "Daytona" in the 1960s.
The original "Speedmaster Broad Arrow" ref. CK 2915 such as the present watch has a 39 mm. water-resistant case with engraved steel bezel graduated to 300 km/h, its principle characteristics, the "Broad Arrow" shaped hands, and the calibre 321 movement protected by an anti-magnetic soft iron cap. The dial exhibits some very distinctive features such as the applied metal "Omega" logo as opposed to the printed version, the "Omega" signature in a different font, appearing smaller and thinner, the letters "O" and "G" almost oval in shape, and the simple "Swiss Made" below 6 o'clock, without the "T" designation.
In 1959, the model became ref. 2998, the "Broad Arrow" hands were replaced with "Alpha" hands and the engraved steel bezel by the version with black insert graduated to 500 km/h.
The "Speedmaster Broad Arrow" is described and illustrated in Marco Richon's Omega - A Journey Through Time, pp. 596 - 597, Omega Saga, pp. 372 – 374, Omega Sportswatches by John Goldberger, pp. 95 - 107, where it is prominently featured on the cover and in Moonwatch Only, Rossier & Marquié, pp. 246 - 247.