Omega Speedmaster CK2998

The Omega Speedmaster CK2998, the second generation of the Speedmaster, was produced from 1959 to approximately 1962 or early 1963. This reference is highly significant as it marked key evolutionary steps from the initial CK2915, including the introduction of the black tachymeter bezel for improved legibility and Alpha hands, moving away from the “Broad Arrow” style. The CK2998 is also famously known as the “First Omega in Space,” having been privately purchased and worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in October 1962, predating NASA’s official qualification of the Speedmaster. Powered by the legendary Caliber 321 manual-winding chronograph movement, the CK2998 series evolved through several sub-references (CK2998-1 to CK2998-6, then CK2998-61 and CK2998-62), each with subtle variations in hands, bezel scales, and dial details. Its straight-lug case and “pre-Professional” dial (lacking the “Professional” inscription) make it a highly coveted model for collectors, representing a pure and historically important iteration of the Speedmaster.  

Specifications

Key Details & Variations

Variations (Sub-References CK2998-1 through CK2998-62)

The CK2998 series evolved through several sub-references, each with subtle but important distinctions for collectors :  

• CK2998-1 (c. 1959):
  • Hands: Alpha hour/minute, painted leaf subdial hands, straight painted chrono seconds (some “lollipop”).
  • Bezel: Black “BASE 1000”.
  • Dial: “Oval O” or round “O” in Omega logo, short indices in subdials.
  • Case Back: Double step, “Speedmaster” engraved, plain center or Omega logo.
• CK2998-2 (c. 1960):
  • Hands: Similar to -1 (Alpha, leaf subdial, straight/lollipop chrono).
  • Bezel: Black “BASE 1000”.
  • Dial: Round “O” in Omega, short indices in subdials.
  • Case Back: Hippocampus logo introduced in the center.
• CK2998-3 (c. 1960-1961):
  • Hands: Similar to -2 (Alpha, leaf subdial, straight/lollipop chrono).
  • Bezel: Transitioned to black “TACHYMETRE 500” DON.
  • Dial: Longer subdial indices become more common.
• CK2998-4 (c. 1961, Wally Schirra’s reported sub-reference ):
  • Hands: Alpha hour/minute, painted leaf subdial hands, straight painted chrono seconds.
  • Bezel: Black “TACHYMETRE 500” DON.
• CK2998-5 (c. 1961-1962):
  • Hands: Alpha hour/minute, painted stick subdial hands, straight or spear painted chrono seconds.
  • Bezel: Black “TACHYMETRE 500” DON.
• CK2998-6 (c. 1962):
  • Hands: Alpha hour/minute, painted stick subdial hands, spear painted chrono seconds.
  • Bezel: Black “TACHYMETRE 500” DON.
• CK2998-61 & CK2998-62 (c. 1962-1963):
  • Hands: Alpha hour/minute, painted stick subdial hands, spear painted chrono seconds.
  • Bezel: Black “TACHYMETRE 500” DON.
  • The CK2998-62 is essentially the direct predecessor to the ST 105.002, differing mainly in the case back reference stamping.  

These variations are crucial for authentication and valuation, as mismatched parts are common in vintage Speedmasters.  

Correct Dial

• Color & Finish: Predominantly matte black. Extremely rare grey or “soleil” (sunburst) dials exist, likely prototypes or special orders.  
• Logo: Applied metal Omega logo (Ω) at 12 o’clock. Very early CK2998-1 dials may feature an “Oval O” in the Omega logo, transitioning to a round “O” on later -1s and subsequent sub-references.  
• Text: “OMEGA” and “Speedmaster” printed below the applied logo. “SWISS MADE” at 6 o’clock. No “Professional” text.  
• Design: Stepped dial, with the main central portion slightly raised relative to the outer minute/seconds track.  
• Indices: Applied hour markers, typically radium-filled. Subdial markers were short on CK2998-1 and -2, becoming longer on later iterations.  
• Lume: Radium. Dials are generally marked “SWISS MADE” only, without the “T” for Tritium that appeared on later models.  

Correct Hands

• Hour/Minute Hands: “Alpha” style (tapered, leaf-like with a central spine), filled with radium lume.  
• Subdial Hands: Painted “leaf” shape on early sub-references (CK2998-1 to -4). Transitioned to painted “stick” shape from CK2998-5 onwards.  
• Chronograph Seconds Hand:
  • Straight Painted: Early sub-references (CK2998-1, -2, -4).  
  • “Lollipop”: Distinctive large circular luminous plot near the tip. Found on some examples of CK2998-1, -2, and -3. Highly sought after.  
  • “Spear” or “Drop-tail”: More pointed, sometimes with a luminous “drop” at the tip. Prevalent on later sub-references (CK2998-5, -6, -61, -62).  
• Lume on all hands should show consistent aging and match the dial lume.  

Correct Case

• Material: Stainless steel.  
• Design: Straight lugs, 19mm width. No crown guards. Case diameter typically 39mm or 39.7mm (bezel measurement).  
• Case Back: Screw-in with a double-stepped edge. Engraved “SPEEDMASTER” on the outer step.
  • CK2998-1: Central portion often plain or with only the Omega logo.
  • CK2998-2 onwards: Central Hippocampus (Seahorse) medallion introduced and became standard.  
• Pushers: 4mm diameter “pump” style chronograph pushers. O-ring gaskets were introduced with the CK2998 for improved water resistance.  
• Crown: Signed Omega, typically 7mm in diameter.  

Correct Bezel

• Material: Black anodized aluminum insert within a steel bezel frame.  
• Scale:
  • “BASE 1000”: Typically found on CK2998-1 and CK2998-2.  
  • “TACHYMETRE 500”: Became standard from CK2998-3 onwards.  
• “Dot Over Ninety” (DON): A key characteristic of original bezels from this period. The dot on the tachymeter scale is positioned directly above the “90”.  

Correct Crystal

• Material: Domed Hesalite (acrylic).  
• Marking: Original Omega Hesalite crystals often feature a tiny, centrally embossed Omega logo (Ω) on the underside, visible with a loupe.  

Additional Details

Movement (Omega Caliber 321)

The Omega Speedmaster CK2998 is exclusively powered by the manual-winding Omega Caliber 321.

• Origin: Based on the Lemania 2310 (CH27 C12) ebauche, developed in the 1940s and refined by Omega.  
• Mechanism: Column-wheel controlled chronograph, prized for its tactile feel and intricate construction.  
• Specifications: 17 jewels, 18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz) frequency, approx. 44-hour power reserve (vintage specification). Features Incabloc shock protection and often a Breguet overcoil balance spring.  
• Finish: Distinctive copper-colored plating on bridges and plates. Early versions feature a symmetrical clutch bridge.  
• Legacy: This movement powered the Speedmasters qualified by NASA and worn on the Moon (in later references). Omega revived production of the Caliber 321 in 2019 due to its iconic status.  

Historical Significance: The “First Omega in Space” (FOIS)

The CK2998 earned its place in space history on October 3, 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra wore his privately purchased CK2998 (reportedly a CK2998-4 ) during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. This made it the first Omega Speedmaster worn in space, years before NASA’s official flight qualification of the model. This event is commemorated by Omega with modern “First Omega in Space” tribute editions.  

Collector Information and Market Value

• High Collectibility: The CK2998 is a “grail” watch for many vintage Omega collectors due to its “pre-Moon” status, rarity, Caliber 321 movement, and historical connection to early spaceflight.  
• Value Factors: Originality of all components (dial, hands, DON bezel, case, movement, crystal, crown, pushers) and overall condition are paramount. Specific sub-references (e.g., CK2998-1 with “BASE 1000” bezel or “lollipop” hand variants) can command significant premiums.  
• Market Value: Prices vary significantly. Auction results for CK2998 models frequently reach well into five-figure sums (USD, EUR, CHF), with exceptional examples exceeding this. Modern tribute editions also perform well, indicating strong interest in the CK2998 design.