The original CK 2998 was released in 1959 and has since become one of the most popular vintage Speedmasters in the world. With its Alpha hands, symmetrical case and dark bezel, OMEGA’s CK 2998 has always had a strong following amongst the most admiring watch enthusiasts. The CK 2998 became the ‘first OMEGA in space’ in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra. Among the various iterations of the Speedmaster, the reference 2998 is one of the oldest and most collectable. 

We acquired this Speedmaster from the son of its original owner who joined the RAF as a pilot at the beginning of WW2. After flight training in Canada he was deployed as a fighter pilot and undertook at least 10 missions in Lancaster bombers over Berlin, earning him the coveted Distinguished Flying Cross for "acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy". 

We have a plethora of documentation of his decorated military career provided by the pilot's family in the form of scanned flight logs among other things. 

Having left the RAF after the war he began a career as a civilian pilot and flew for Manx in the Isle of Wight before joining Ind Coope Brewery as one of three pilots supporting an expansion plan of the brewery by means of transporting company directors to visit other breweries with a view to a takeover. He then became the lead pilot for the company and the watch was given to him as part of his uniform.

The watch was originally supplied on a bracelet, however, this wore down and broke with daily wear so was replaced with a strap due to the financial constraints of having a young family. 

When eventually retired, he also retired the watch which was carefully stored until his death when his son inherited it. 

It is not often we get such comprehensive provenance with a watch - and the documentary evidence to support it. It is simply wonderful to know that this watch was used for purpose and has survived this long in such superb condition. 

What's on Offer

We rarely get a watch in stock with such significant provenance as this stunning Speedmaster. A rare reference in excellent vintage condition and offered for sale with its original box and papers, this is a very special watch indeed. Boasting a rich black dial with three dished counters, triangular hands with luminous inserts and corresponding lumed hour markers - the lume has aged to a beautiful chocolate colour across the dial. The dial is encapsulated underneath shatterproof acrylic and is encased in stainless and sports the original black BASE500 bezel with dot over 90 (DO90). There are a couple of blemishes on the bezel but nothing of any concern and given this watch has been used for purpose it is in unbelievably good condition especially since it is offered for sale with its original box (extremely rare) and purchase receipt. We love this piece, we don't expect it to be around for long but we will be more than a little sad to see it go!