2998 Omega Speedmaster Straight-Lug

In my mind, a Speedmaster needs alpha hands. This is, I know, nonsense. There are plenty of meaningful references with broad arrows, batons, or even lollipops. Neil Armstrong didn’t need alphas. And yet, I feel an unbalanced attraction to pre-moon and FOIS Speedmasters simply because of their hand silhouette. The 2998 holds a special appeal for me for that simple reason. Call it personal preference or derrangement, this Speedmaster is tailored exactly to my preference. The 321 doesn’t hurt either. Perhaps you’ll covet it similarly.

In 1959 the broad-arrow 2915 was updated to this black bezel, alpha handed 321 variant. Its dial remained unchanged with tritium and an applied logo. The classic plexi crystal is as domed as the original. Wally Schirra wore a 2998 on the Mercury Atlas 8 in 1962 and that exact watch was the inspiration for the recent FOIS release. Both are a bit of a niche within the genre of Speedmaster as a whole, but an undeniably beautiful one.

This pre-moon Speedmaster is wearing its age honestly. The tritium lume has gone golden pumpkin since application. The straight-lug case is certainly not ultra-sharp but equally not abused, in what I’d call still-very-strong shape. Its DON-bezel is in lovely condition, perhaps better than any other component. Its dial is a dark, dark chocolate with no serious damage to be seen. The 321 is shining and recently service. It comes from a reputable retailer.

Find this 2998 Speedmaster here from Bulang & Sons for an undisclosed sum.