Omega

• cal. 321 manual winding copper-finished lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, metal dust cap • black dial, luminescent dot and baton indexes, luminescent alpha hands, chronograph hand featuring large luminescent dot, three subsidiary dials indicating 30-minute and 12-hour registers and constant seconds • large water-resistant-type case, black bezel calibrated for tachometer, two round chronograph pushers to the band, downturned lugs, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • together with an unsigned stainless steel mesh bracelet

The movement is running and chronograph is functioning, however we recommend service soon. It is numbered 17762631. The dial is in very nice condition with all the luminescent paint (on the hands too) appearing original and evenly aged. The case shows wear with light scuffs and some scratches to the lugs, but overall very nice and clean. The bracelet is in nice condition overall. Omega confirms production of this watch and its subsequent sale on February 17th, 1961.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Launched in 1959, Ref. 2998 is the second Speedmaster model that Omega put into production. It featured several design improvements over its predecessor, Ref. 2915, including the gasket seals on the chronograph pushers. 

Its most visible change, however, was the new alpha hands, which replaced the now-iconic broad-arrow hands of its predecessor. In addition, the steel bezel on the earlier model was replaced with a black bezel for the newer model. Early examples of this reference featured a chronograph hand with a large luminescent dot. Over the years, many of these were damaged or replaced, therefore the present model, with the original hands, is more unusual.

The bracelet on the present watch, although not made by Omega, was a popular alternative to the more rigid bracelets sold by the firm. At the time of purchase, many Omega retailers would offer the buyers this bracelet, so many Speedmasters from the period retain them. The expandable style of the bracelet made it desirable for many sportsmen who could wear it over their shirt or jacket sleeve.