THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 2998-6
YEAR: 1961
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 39mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
The 2998 range of Speedmasters are as Important as they are interesting, the eight different sub versions of this spectacular reference make up the archetype of the now known and loved ‘Moonwatch’.
The reason the 2998 was such an important reference for Omega was down to chance. Astronauts such as Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Donald Slayton wanted a reliable chronograph to accompany them on their orbital flights, at the time a reliable wristwatch wasn’t part of the Astronauts uniform, they chose a Speedmaster, on the 3rd October 1962, Wally Schirra wore his 2998-4, the same reference we have for sale here, into space. This made the 2998-4, the first Omega in space, it also kicked off a relationship that would last decades and changed the brands history forever.
The example we have for sale is from the latter end of the 2998 production, the 2998-6.
The near flawless dial is the star of the show here, its radium plots have aged to a pumpkin colour and the surface is free from spotting and any blemishes. The alpha hands are in great shape too. The case exhibits minimal polishing, the pushers are the correct small size and the crown is a correct with the narrow flat feet logo. we had the fully linked 7912 bracelet stamped 1/66 professionally serviced so it has no sag and can accommodate a 21cm wrist. The 6 end links are aftermarket. The bezel is a later b2 variant made from the 70's to 90's most likely changed at service.
We have recently had the 321 movement serviced and its running at a mighty +3 s/d, 350 amps and with a beat error of 0.2.
These four digit speedmasters are so affordable compared to their Rolex counterparts and with a far better movement.
The watch has just had a service but shows some creep on the bottom sub dial which is quite a common symptom with the 321 movements.