2915-1, Omega Speedmaster, Steel

The 2915 was the first ever Speedmaster reference released in 1957, 8 years before the NASA space flight certification that led to its prominence. At the time, chronographs were highly specific tools meant for doctors, pilots, or racing drivers; a chronograph for daily wear was not a widely accepted concept. Its small, targeted market impacted both its design and production numbers. The 2915 is a watch with a clear vintage aesthetic, a seat at the head of a prominent lineage, and a versatile case size that was produced in limited quantities, making it incredibly collectible. 

A watch purpose built for racing drivers, the 2915 was designed for legibility and precision. It features the now famous broad arrow hands, alpha subdial hands, and a high contrast black dial with white text. The 2915 was the first chronograph to move the tachymeter scale to its steel bezel, decluttering the dial. Omega decided on a 38.5 mm straight lug case, large in period, which creates a unique balance of vintage with proportions acceptable to modern taste. Its calibre 321 was built on the Lemania 2310, at the time the most technically sound movement used within a tool watch. 

Though only in production for 3 years, the 2915 was released in three series. While series 1 and 2 are fairly similar, series 3 is a transitional reference where aesthetics begin to meld with the following reference 2998. It is estimated that only around four hundred first series were produced, making this watch incredibly rare. This rarity, when combined with its position as the original reference for the storied Moonwatch make it a highly desirable and collectible reference. 

This example, a 2915-1 produced in 1958, comes from the first series released. Its original steel bezel with ‘base 1000’ tachymeter scale is rare to find.  A simple and correct ‘Speedmaster’ text is engraved on the single beveled edge of the caseback, the first and second series pre-date the use of the ‘Hippocampus’ engraving. The available caseback real estate has been engraved with a previous and likely original owner’s name, ‘Nat Loubet’. Nat Loubet was the managing editor of ‘The Ring’, a prominent boxing magazine and the oldest American sports publication still in existence, though a formal history of the watch’s ownership is unknown. 

The 2915 was both novel and bold in design with an oversized case, high contrast dial and its impressive calibre 321. There is no doubt the 2915 is a serious tool. It is highly functional in everything from its design to its performance. While the following ref. 2998 has more clear visual lineage to the ref. 105.012 Moonwatch that elevated the Speedmaster to its current status, the 2915 is the solid platform from which the Moonwatch launched.

This 2915-1 presents in great, honest, vintage condition. The case is very full with original proportions and moderate surface wear throughout. The original base 1000 steel bezel presents a similar level of wear. Its dial is unrestored and honest, with light signs of wear but no major marks. It should be noted that half of the 12 o'clock lume plot has fallen off. It should also be noted that the handset has been restored with both color and UV matched lume. Its calibre 321 was serviced completely ahead of listing and is running well in specification including all chronograph functions. The 7912 bracelet is in an honest state of wear with a moderate level of stretch. The Extract of Archive notes delivery to Taiwan originally.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.