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Lot Essay
The reference 2915 marked the introduction of the Speedmaster. Paving the way for unparalleled historical occasions, the first Speedmaster reference 2915 was only in production for three years, from 1957 to 1959. The distinguishable features of this reference are the 'broad arrow' hands and steel bezel, although towards the end of its production the reference 2915-3 was fitted with a black bezel and 'alpha' hands, introducing those features to the reference 2915’s successor: the reference 2998.
The present watch is from the second series of this first ever Speedmaster production, bearing the reference 2915-2. It is notable for its original and exceptional condition. With so few early reference 2915-1 and 2915-2 examples known to the market, particularly those retaining the original steel bezel and correct hands, this presents a rare opportunity to purchase an extraordinary original ‘broad arrow’ Speedmaster.
This watch is offered from the family of the original owner, has never been seen in the market before and surfaced after quite a historical journey. According to the consignor and later accredited by OMEGA, this was purchased in the Belgian Congo, what was a Belgian colony in Central Africa from 1908 to 1960, now recognized as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The owner, who served in the Royal Air Force in Rhodesia teaching cadets how to fly, later found work with Goodyear Tires that sent him all over the world. He purchased the watch in 1958 upon transfer to the Belgian Congo. In the late 50’s there was a great move toward independence in the Belgian Congo, resulting in riots and civil unrest. The marks an intensely uneasy period in the history of the country and the original owner’s possession of so many international currencies aroused suspicion. At this time he was arrested and imprisoned as a spy, likely while wearing this Speedmaster. Some yeas later he returned to his favored locale, Rhodesia, and this Speedmaster was handed down through his family.
An example of the reference 2915 is illustrated and described in OMEGA, A Journey Through Time by Marco Richon, 2007, p. 596.
The present watch is from the second series of this first ever Speedmaster production, bearing the reference 2915-2. It is notable for its original and exceptional condition. With so few early reference 2915-1 and 2915-2 examples known to the market, particularly those retaining the original steel bezel and correct hands, this presents a rare opportunity to purchase an extraordinary original ‘broad arrow’ Speedmaster.
This watch is offered from the family of the original owner, has never been seen in the market before and surfaced after quite a historical journey. According to the consignor and later accredited by OMEGA, this was purchased in the Belgian Congo, what was a Belgian colony in Central Africa from 1908 to 1960, now recognized as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The owner, who served in the Royal Air Force in Rhodesia teaching cadets how to fly, later found work with Goodyear Tires that sent him all over the world. He purchased the watch in 1958 upon transfer to the Belgian Congo. In the late 50’s there was a great move toward independence in the Belgian Congo, resulting in riots and civil unrest. The marks an intensely uneasy period in the history of the country and the original owner’s possession of so many international currencies aroused suspicion. At this time he was arrested and imprisoned as a spy, likely while wearing this Speedmaster. Some yeas later he returned to his favored locale, Rhodesia, and this Speedmaster was handed down through his family.
An example of the reference 2915 is illustrated and described in OMEGA, A Journey Through Time by Marco Richon, 2007, p. 596.