Omega Speedmaster 2998-1 Tropical MK1

This Omega Speedmaster 2998-1 combines so many rare and highly desirable features that it is difficult to know where to begin. Finding an original 2998-1 alone is already extremely difficult — but an example in exactly this configuration, with this level of preservation and this uncompromising originality, undoubtedly belongs among the great rarities of the entire vintage Speedmaster world.

The reference 2998 was produced only over a short period from 1959 to 1962. The present watch is the early MK1 execution of the 2998-1. Among Omega collectors, this exact early version is regarded as one of the most desirable and important Speedmaster references ever produced.

When it comes to vintage Speedmasters, two components play the decisive role above all others: the dial and the bezel. And this watch possesses the rarest and most desirable combination of both.

Let us begin with the legendary “BASE 1000” bezel. This early tachymeter bezel ranks among the rarest and most sought-after Speedmaster bezels ever made. Over the decades, most examples were replaced during service with later “BASE-500” bezels, which makes original BASE-1000 bezels almost impossible to find today. It is estimated that only around 1,000 pieces were ever produced. Fewer than 50 examples are believed to still exist today with their original BASE-1000 bezel. This bezel alone already makes the watch an absolute collector’s trophy.

No less spectacular is the original MK1 dial. It features the characteristic early “Round O” in the “OMEGA” signature and at the same time belongs to the rare flat-dial generation without a step, found only on the earliest executions. Over the decades, the originally black dial has developed an exceptionally beautiful tropical aging. Depending on the light, warm chocolate and espresso tones emerge, giving the watch a truly spectacular appearance.

Adding even more charm is the beautifully aged original radium luminous material. Both the indexes and hands feature original radium lume that has developed a warm caramel-brown tone over the decades and harmonizes perfectly with the tropical dial.

The watch is accompanied by the ultra-rare original Omega stainless steel bracelet from 1959 featuring elastic double links and the early short folding clasp. Importantly, the clasp is correctly stamped only with the date code “3/59” and does not yet feature the later “7077/6” engraving.

The originality of this Speedmaster is simply extraordinary. Every single detail of the watch is correct and original — exactly the way collectors hope to find them, yet only very rarely do. This is especially important with the reference 2998-1, because due to the high market values, many examples today are assembled from multiple watches. Incorrect hands, later service parts or even Seamaster movements are frequently found in supposedly original examples.

From the spectacular BASE-1000 bezel to the beautiful tropical MK1 dial and the early original bracelet, this Omega Speedmaster 2998-1 represents exactly the kind of watch collectors spend decades searching for. Without exaggeration, it undoubtedly belongs among the finest and most original examples of the reference known worldwide. An exceptional and historically important early Speedmaster.

Condition Report
Dial: excellently preserved - natural and even tropical patina - original radium luminous material in hands and markers, verified with a Geiger counter - Alpha hands - applied Omega logo - signed “Omega Speedmaster Swiss Made”.

Case: 40 mm stainless steel case in very good condition - natural signs of wear - intact lugs - engravings “Speedmaster” and the Omega hippocampus on the case back - reference 2998-1 stamped inside the case back - extremely rare BASE-1000 bezel in good condition with natural signs of wear - original Omega winding crown - original chronograph pushers.

Movement: manual-winding Omega caliber 321 – timegrapher results: rate deviation: +5 s/day, amplitude: 360, beat error: 6.5.

Bracelet: original Omega stainless steel bracelet reference 7077/6 in very good condition - date stamp: 3/59 - endlinks: 6 - adjustable length between 17.9 and 19.2 cm.

Movement number: 17302xxx (1960)

Int.Exe.: 8531303