OMEGA | Speedmaster, Ref. 2998-1, A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Circa 1960
OMEGA
Speedmaster, Ref. 2998-1
A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Circa 1960
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 321 manual, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel
Closure: leather strap with Omega tang buckle
Dimensions: 39.5 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 2998-1 / serial: 17302754
The Omega Speedmaster 2998 was the second generation of the Speedmaster chronograph, following the inaugural reference 2915. Omega produced the Speedmaster 2998 from 1959 until 1963, and during that time the company made eight sub references. This particular example, circa 1960, was the first in the family as denoted by its 2998-1 reference number. The watch features a steel case with straight lugs. The “Tropical” dial has evolved from its original black color to a warm brown tone with creamy lume, and alpha-style hands reside at the center and inside the sub-dials. The Speedmaster was the first chronograph to include the tachymeter scale on the exterior bezel rather than on the dial, and this example includes the coveted “Base 1000” variant correct to this specific reference. OMEGA | Speedmaster, Ref. 2998-1, A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Circa 1960 OMEGA | Speedmaster, Ref. 2998-1, A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Circa 1960
Estimate:
35,000 - 55,000 USD OMEGA
Speedmaster, Ref. 2998-1
A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Circa 1960
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 321 manual, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel
Closure: leather strap with Omega tang buckle
Dimensions: 39.5 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 2998-1 / serial: 17302754
The Omega Speedmaster 2998 was the second generation of the Speedmaster chronograph, following the inaugural reference 2915. Omega produced the Speedmaster 2998 from 1959 until 1963, and during that time the company made eight sub references. This particular example, circa 1960, was the first in the family as denoted by its 2998-1 reference number. The watch features a steel case with straight lugs. The “Tropical” dial has evolved from its original black color to a warm brown tone with creamy lume, and alpha-style hands reside at the center and inside the sub-dials. The Speedmaster was the first chronograph to include the tachymeter scale on the exterior bezel rather than on the dial, and this example includes the coveted “Base 1000” variant correct to this specific reference. Condition report
This ref. 2998-1 Speedmaster dates back to approximately 1960. The original black dial has faded to a warm “Tropical” brown color and displays very minor signs of age, while its luminous hour markers have developed a rich and creamy patina. With the exception of minor scratches, and wear throughout the bezel, this vintage Speedmaster is in excellent overall condition and is free from all significant signs of damage.
Sotheby’s Watches Department is pleased to offer Condition Reports to potential purchasers. A Condition Report is an opinion describing the lot in more detail with regard to, but not limited to the general condition, quality of the watches and/or other relevant information.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot (for example, the online condition report may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome). Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's). Please also note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and wrist bands, since is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species. Please be advised that wristbands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (ONLINE ONLY).
