The Omega Speedmaster CK2915
The two models listed so far technically constitute tool watches; yes, even the Patek.
However, there are tool watches and there are tool watches, and the Omega Speedmaster has always been the latter.
Even the contemporary version, if you hold it up against its nearest natural predator, the Rolex Daytona, it’s the Speedy you can still envisage actually being worn with purpose rather than for clout.
Over the years there have been more than 250 different versions of the Speedmaster, and a fair number of them could realistically be thought of as a Holy Grail for the average fan. The CK2998 from 1959, for example, was the first Omega in space, worn by Wally Schirra. The ST105.003 was the reference to pass all of NASA’s watch-killing tests in 1964 and qualify as standard astronaut issue. And, of course, the ST105.012 and 145.012 were the ones to actually make it to the moon; the former on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin.
Yet, due to its legacy and its scarcity, perhaps the truest grail Speedy is the very first of the breed, 1957’s CK2915.
Like all the greats, this is where we get to appreciate just how enduring pure design genius is. Although there are differences between this origin piece and the modern day equivalent, there are so many shared visuals the resemblance between the two eras is unmissable.
Launched as one third of a trio of tool watches alongside the debut examples of both the Seamaster 300 and Railmaster, the Speedmaster CK2915 measured 38mm, came with recessed sub dials at the three, nine and six o’clock, had the now-iconic Broad Arrow hands and, a first of its kind, engraved its tachymeter scale onto its bezel instead of printing it on the dial.
Underlining its sporty credentials, as well as that highly legible dial, the reference also had a screw down case back which granted a decent 60m water resistance.
Perhaps more significant than all of that though, is what goes on inside. While there are no shortage of watches that get to be called legendary, there are very few movements which achieve the description. The Caliber 321 inside Omega’s inaugural Speedy is one. A genuine column wheel-controlled workhorse, based on the 2310 from Omega’s movement partner, Lemania, the 321 served in the first four major renditions of the Speedmaster. Tough, accurate and beautifully detailed, it was reissued in 2019 inside the Apollo 11 50thanniversary limited edition.
The CK2915 was not limited edition. However, as it was only produced for two years, replaced by the CK2998 in 1959, it is very rare. Rough estimates put the total number produced as between 1,500 and 2000, with fewer than 1,000 likely to have survived into the present day.
That, combined with its status as the first example of possibly the most revered and celebrated chronograph of all time, mean it lives up to its nickname of ‘The Speedmaster to Rule Them All.’
