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Omega Speedmaster (Ref. CK2998-3) Cal. 321, 1960 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Speedmaster (Ref. CK2998-3) Cal. 321, 1960

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
1960
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
OMSPMCK29983
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPMCK29983)
Catalogue title (original)
1960 OMEGA Speedmaster (Ref. CK2998-3) Cal. 321 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPMCK29983), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1960. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

(Astronaut Wally Schirra wearing his personal Omega Speedmaster CK2998 during a training protocol for the Mercury Program c.1962) 3 years before the Omega Speedmaster was the official wristwatch for all NASA manned space missions the Speedmaster happened to make its way into space on the wrist of Wally Schirra, an American Astronaut, on the 1962 "Sigma 7" Mercury Program mission. The CK2298, which was Wally's personal watch, was the first Omega Speedmaster in space. Wally went on to be the only man to fly in mission for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. The Omega Speedmaster is by far one of our most favorite chronographs. The Speedmaster has an incredible history starting with automotive racing moving into flight and eventually to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. There are many subtle differences within the vintage Omega Speedmaster range of references that make them all slightly unique and different and of course highly collectible. The CK series of Speedmasters are some of the most sought after and prestigious Speedmaster references. Being the older brother to the "Moonwatch" Speedmaster Professional and featuring numerous unique variations, the CK references have captivated avid enthusiasts alike. SPECS Stock # OMSPMCK29983 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Model CK2998-3 Serial 177XXXXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Black "Pie-Pan" Applied Logo Millimeters 42 Bracelet Omega 7077/6 Short Clasp Bracelet W/ 6 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The "straight lug" case remains in excellent overall condition and has been previously lightly polished, retaining think and even lugs with little signs of use. The original bezel is in wonderful condition showing almost no wear and has faded to an attractive grey coloration. The case retains its original short pushers and "Omega" signed "flat-foot" crown. The Omega hesalite crystal in amazing condition showing little signs of use. The original double bevel case back clearly displays the seahorse engraving. The original Omega 7077/6 short clasp bracelet with 6 end pieces is in remarkable condition showing almost no stretch or wear. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black "pie-pan" applied logo CK2998-3 Speedmaster dial is absolutely exquisite. The dial itself remains in superb condition showing only very minor signs of aging. The tritium lume plots have aged to an excellent yellow patina, under U.V. light inspection the lume shows light degradation throughout which is common for these early CK references. The original alpha style hands have been professionally restored with tritium to match the dial previous to our acquisition. The alpha style subsidiary hands are original to the watch as well and add a charming aesthetic to the dial presence. ACCESSORIES None. Watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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