The Omega Speedmaster ‘Broad Arrow’ ref. 2915-1
Omega Speedmaster ‘Broad Arrow’ ref. 2915-1, sold for $3.4 million in auction
Earlier this month, at Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XIV, the most expensive Omega ever sold for an exorbitant $3.4 million USD! This was an Omega Speedmaster ‘Broad Arrow’ ref. 2915-1, dating back to 1957 – the year Omega’s trilogy of tool watches was released – and featuring the venerable Omega Caliber 321, a 17-jewel column wheel chronograph.
This was the first reference of the Omega Speedmaster, considered the ‘grail’ by serious Omega collectors, and has been among the brand’s most popular references since its release in 1957. The Speedmaster was designed by Omega creative director Pierre Moinat and noted watch designer Claude Baillod. The reference 2915-1 or CK2915 was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter on the bezel instead of the on the dial and was produced only for two years between 1957 and 1959, with the reference 2915-1, 2915-2, and 2915-3 being the first Speedmasters made. Most importantly, however, in terms of watch design, the Omega Speedmaster ref. 2915-1 featured the ‘Broad Arrow’ hands and an ovular ‘O’ for Omega.
Omega Speedmaster ‘Broad Arrow’ ref. 2915-1
The Omega sold by Phillips for over $3 million USD was this very reference, but also featured an almost perfect tropical patina dial. This was not the only remarkable result for Phillips from this auction, with a Philippe Dufour Grande et Petite Sonnerie selling for over $5 million USD earlier that day. Ultimately this record-setting Omega Speedmaster ‘Broad Arrow’ ref. 2915-1 was sold to a Chinese buyer, who won out over bidders from the United States and Oman. Obviously an amazing, early example of the Speedmaster – with watches going for such excessive amounts in auction, only time will tell what the next great Speedmaster will bring.
By: Andres Ibarguen
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 6146-8000 for sale on Toronto Vintage Watches