146 Omega Historically Important and Early Speedmaster Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 2915–3, With Tropical Brown Dial, tachymetric Scale, Bracelet and Original Certificate and Box
Estimate: €75,000 – 150,000
Model: Speedmaster
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: CK 2915/3
Year: 1959
Case N°: 21639
Caliber: CHR 27
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 16649551
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 39.5 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: papers and box
Think about being ideated for car racing and then find yourself navigating in space. That’s the life of the legendary Speedmaster, firstly produced from 1957 to 1959 with the reference 2915 from a creation of Pierre Moinat, head of Omega’s “creative” department with the case designed by Claude Baillod. This special reference has been released in three versions: 1, 2 and 3 (such as the present lot). The 2915-1 and -2 are the first Speedmaster ever produced and are now an object of desire of a large number of collectors. Very similar to each other, these models were the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel, hence rendering the dial more legible while simplifying the calculation of speed – They differ from each other only in small details and graphic variations on the tachymeter scale of some 2915-1. The third series can instead be considered a transitional model between the references 2915-2 and 2998 with which the 2915-3 shares many features, such as the alpha hands and the bezel with black insert. The lot offered here is a very remarkable exponent of the third series family sold with its Garantie Integral dating 19.12.59 and the original red box. This 2915-3 immediately surprises for the conditions of its stainless steel tonneau case and bracelet. Above all the screw back still presents clearly visible the Speedmaster logo and the engraving Tekn. Yo. Kari Tassavainen - 1959. The bezel is slowly fading acquiring a soft gray shade. The dial as well is changing its original black color assuming that tropicalization that so much fascinates collectors around the world. The brown color gently stands out almost on tiptoe so as not to draw too much attention to itself. The alpha hands still present the aged luminous material while the hour/minutes numerals have assumed a copper color. Last exponent of the first reference of Speedmaster, the present lot may not have personally gone to the moon but surely rises and sets itself among the brightest stars in watchmaking.