Today, the Omega Speedmaster is best known as the model worn during the Apollo programme and at the first Moon landing in 1969. However, when introduced in 1957, with ref. CK 2915, it was made as a sports chronograph for racing and precision timing. This was succeeded in 1959 by ref. CK 2998, a reference that would play a pivotal role in the model’s early development. With CK 2998, the black aluminium tachymeter bezel was fully established, while the reference was also fitted with the distinctive luminous Alpha hands that had appeared toward the end of the CK 2915 production run. It was also the CK 2998 family that would become the first Speedmaster generation in space, when Walter “Wally” Schirra wore his privately purchased watch during the Sigma 7 mission in 1962.

The present example is furthermore newly discovered and is offered here for the first time on the secondary market, consigned by the family of its original owner. The watch appears exceptionally well preserved and is accompanied by its original certificate, box and outer carton, a highly unusual and remarkably complete collector’s set for the reference. Particularly notable is the evenly and warmly browned tropical dial, together with the black tachymeter bezel of the Base 1000 type, the Naiad crown, and the original ref. 7077 bracelet with short clasp, dated 1959.