Stainless steel OMEGA ref. 2998-1 Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch. Made 1960

The Speedmaster Reference 2998 was the second generation of OMEGA Speedmaster. Launched in 1959 with the 2998-1; the famous ‘Broad Arrow’ hands of the original reference 2915 Speedmasters were replaced by the far narrower ‘Alpha’ hands to aid legibility. This coupled with the exclusive use of a black printed, external tachymeter scale (initially BASE 1000 but changed to BASE 500 in later models) further enhanced its legibility and cemented the Speedmaster as a world class tool watch. It was to become the first OMEGA in space, as Astronaut Walter ‘Wally’ Schirra would take his own personal 2998-4 On board of the Sigma 7, during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission (October 1962.)

The 2998 is an unusual reference as there are 8 different sub-references produced within a space of only 3 years. The Speedmaster was undergoing constant updates with elements of its design and iconography as well as reference nomenclature being modernised throughout its early production. This has led to each sub-reference having its own particular features which were often updated throughout routine servicing making many watches an assembly of various service replacement parts. This makes finding original, correct examples a challenge to locate and has led the 2998 to become a favourite among collectors.