OMEGA | SPEEDMASTER REF. 2915-3 'BROAD ARROW', A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH 'TROPICAL' DIAL AND BRACELET, MADE IN 1959

The reference 2915 is a milestone in Omega’s history as it was the very first Speedmaster produced. The newly designed chronograph was launched in 1957 and remained available until 1959, with a total of less than 4,000 pieces produced. Three iterations saw light changes within the two years of production, namely the 2915-1, -2 and -3. While the first two iterations would very slightly differ from each other, the 2915-3 holds a transitional role in Omega history. This reference was produced in 1959 only and bears movement numbers ranging from 16.648.xxx to 16.649.xxx. The early examples would bear a set of early Broad Arrow hands and a metallic Base 1000 tachometer bezel while later examples would introduce the new design language of the Speedmaster, with a black Base 1000 tachometer bezel and the upgraded luminous Alpha hands. The 2915-3 therefore tackled two drastically different design approaches and went on to be replaced by the reference 2998-1 in 1959.

The present reference 2915-3 displays a gorgeously patinated early dial, identifiable by an oval O to the Omega script and short secondary markers on the minute counter. As a transitional reference, this example unsurprisingly combines correct earlier parts with slightly later ones; for instance, the black Base 1000 tachometer bezel bearing a long 4 to the 140 mark is paired with a set of Broad Arrow hands.

The wristwatch is most importantly fitted with a first generation of the legendary caliber 321. Interestingly, the movement-holding ring bears two holes, a feature which can only be observed on reference 2915-3.