Omega Speedmaster

1957 was the beginning of one of the most important triumphs in all of human history.

It was October when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first satellite to successfully orbit the planet, igniting a decades-long race between the world's most powerful nations. Ironically, it was also the year that Omega began production on a new chronograph. But little did Omega know that their watch-- designed to function as a racing chronograph--would wind up at the heart of mission to conquer space and set foot on the surface of the moon.  

The Reference 2915-1 Speedmaster was the brainchild of designer Claude Baillod. The black, stepped "pie-pan" dial is reminiscent of Italian race cars of the period. In fact, it was a close association with auto racing--not space flight--that drove the Speedmaster's design.

But the Omega Speedmaster's enduring association with NASA is so often cited as a reason for its collectibility that "Apollo-era" Speedmaster Professionals (such as the Reference 145.022) remain some of the most desirable examples of the model. The fact that it's been on the Moon often eclipses its true heritage. Still, its earliest iterations have become highly collectible, with the Reference 2915-1 becoming something of a legend in its own right, due mainly to its extreme rarity.

One salient feature of the Speedmaster's design--what set it apart from chronographs of the period--is the bezel. While most of the chronographs at the time featured a tachymeter scale on a chapter ring on the dial, Baillod placed the tachymeter on the stainless-steel bezel (which Omega referred to as a "Tacho-Productometer Scale"). This made it easier for the wearer to measure speed with "no calculating, no paperwork," according to the advertisements. 

We take this feature for granted, given the remarkable continuity of the Speedmaster's design throughout its nearly six decades of production, but at the time it was nothing short of revolutionary. The Speedmaster was meant to be a tool watch, along with the Seamaster and Railmaster: purpose-driven watches intended to make a job easier. Its this legibility that would prove invaluable in the Apollo 13 mission, for example, when the astronauts used their Speedmasters to make life-saving calculations that would permit them to return to Earth--and without the Reference 2915-1, the progenitor of the Speedmaster line, that could never have happened.

Another distinctive feature of the Reference 2915-1 is the broad arrow hands. Later references of Speedmaster would bear alpha and, from the 1960s on, baton hands. The Reference 2915 would feature broad arrow hands until the introduction of the Reference 2915-3 in 1959.

The Reference 2915 only saw three years of production. While exact production totals aren't known, estimates number between 3300 and 4200. This scarcity, as well as the fact that so few examples have appeared intact on the vintage market, makes the Reference 2915-1 rare indeed.

It's the grandaddy of the Speedmaster, the grail of grails, rare as hens' teeth. This expression bears a 1.5 million serial, putting its production roughly in 1958. With its matte black dial handsomely patinated, and sharp bevels, it's as honest as they come. 

We've used the word "iconic" before, but in no other instance is that word best used. The Speedmaster Reference 2915-1 is an icon among icons. It's the alpha of Omega--Speedmasters, that is. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.