53.
An early and important stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Broad Arrow hands and chocolate brown “tropical” dial
Manufacturer
Omega
Year
1957
Reference No.
2915-1
Movement No.
15’500’006
Model Name
Speedmaster “Broad Arrow”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
scan for more info
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Omega pin buckle
Dimensions
38mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Estimate CHF 80,000-120,000 $86,200-129,000 €73,800-111,000 Accessories Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on November 22, 1957 and original product literature.
The Speedmaster is unequivocally Omega’s most historically important model to date. Its history spans almost sixty years with the very first Speedmaster launched in 1957. Reference 2915 was the brainchild of Pierre Moinat and Claude Baillod. Period advertising marketed the innovative model to “men who reckon time in seconds”. It was incredibly useful for race car drivers, engineers, and professionals who dealt with time in their line of work. This model is among Omega’s most important references ever created, spawning successors that
partook in humankind’s most ground-breaking moments, the most pertinent being landing on the moon. The first generation model, 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 Tachoproductometer 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 will 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 watch displays an exceptional “tropical” dial that has aged to a vibrant milk-chocolate shade. The brown tone is not only rich and vivid, but it is also incredibly even throughout. Moreover, the luminous material on both the dial and hands have aged to an attractive golden tone.