1963 Omega Speedmaster 2998-6
The 1963 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-6 is one of the most historically important early references in the Speedmaster lineage and a cornerstone for collectors of vintage chronographs. Introduced as part of the second generation of Speedmasters (1959–1963), the 2998 series marked several key design evolutions from the original 1957 reference. The 2998-6, produced around 1962–1963, features a 39mm stainless steel straight-lug case, black aluminum tachymeter bezel, and a matte black dial with applied Omega logo and luminous baton hour markers. Unlike later Moonwatch models, this reference is notable for its distinctive Alpha hands for the hours and minutes, elements that give it a particularly elegant vintage aesthetic.
Inside the watch is the legendary Omega Calibre 321, a manual-winding column-wheel chronograph movement developed by Lemania and widely regarded as one of the finest chronograph calibres ever produced. The movement powers the classic tri-compax chronograph layout—small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock—and offers around 44 hours of power reserve. The watch was originally fitted with a hesalite crystal and typically paired with period-correct Omega flat-link bracelets such as the reference 7912.
Historically, the Speedmaster 2998 series holds special significance because it predates the official NASA Moonwatch yet was actually worn in space. Astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal Speedmaster 2998 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962, making it the first Omega worn in space before the model’s formal NASA qualification in 1965. Today, the 2998-6 is highly prized among vintage collectors for its rarity, elegant design details, and its place in the early story of the Speedmaster and human spaceflight.
Information:
Reference: 2998-6
Movement number: 18,946,XXX
Date: 1963
Dial: Radium
Hands: Service Tritium Hands
Bezel: Incorrect Later Reference B2 Insert
Bracelet: 7912 Clasp code with '6' end links (Generation 2) - Stainless Steel
Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 19mm
Movement: 321 (1st Generation) - Manual - Serviced 02-01-26 - One year warranty
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph
Accessories: N/A
Crystal: Hesalite
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has light normal wear with a couple light marks. Bracelet is in stunning condition with minimal wear and no sag. Bezel has minimal wear with one mark at 85. Dial has light wear with some lume loss but has aged into a stunning beige patina. Service hands has light wear. Crystal has light scratches and a couple chips at 2. Case back has an engraving "Albert E. Keen", and a couple cuts into the case from improper removal. Watch was serviced 02/01/2026 and comes with a one year warranty on the movement.
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1963 Omega Speedmaster 2998-6
1963 Omega Speedmaster 2998-6
The 1963 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-6 is one of the most historically important early references in the Speedmaster lineage and a cornerstone for collectors of vintage chronographs. Introduced as part of the second generation of Speedmasters (1959–1963), the 2998 series marked several key design evolutions from the original 1957 reference. The 2998-6, produced around 1962–1963, features a 39mm stainless steel straight-lug case, black aluminum tachymeter bezel, and a matte black dial with applied Omega logo and luminous baton hour markers. Unlike later Moonwatch models, this reference is notable for its distinctive Alpha hands for the hours and minutes, elements that give it a particularly elegant vintage aesthetic.
Inside the watch is the legendary Omega Calibre 321, a manual-winding column-wheel chronograph movement developed by Lemania and widely regarded as one of the finest chronograph calibres ever produced. The movement powers the classic tri-compax chronograph layout—small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock—and offers around 44 hours of power reserve. The watch was originally fitted with a hesalite crystal and typically paired with period-correct Omega flat-link bracelets such as the reference 7912.
Historically, the Speedmaster 2998 series holds special significance because it predates the official NASA Moonwatch yet was actually worn in space. Astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal Speedmaster 2998 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962, making it the first Omega worn in space before the model’s formal NASA qualification in 1965. Today, the 2998-6 is highly prized among vintage collectors for its rarity, elegant design details, and its place in the early story of the Speedmaster and human spaceflight.
Information:
Reference: 2998-6
Movement number: 18,946,XXX
Date: 1963
Dial: Radium
Hands: Service Tritium Hands
Bezel: Incorrect Later Reference B2 Insert
Bracelet: 7912 Clasp code with '6' end links (Generation 2) - Stainless Steel
Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 19mm
Movement: 321 (1st Generation) - Manual - Serviced 02-01-26 - One year warranty
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph
Accessories: N/A
Crystal: Hesalite
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has light normal wear with a couple light marks. Bracelet is in stunning condition with minimal wear and no sag. Bezel has minimal wear with one mark at 85. Dial has light wear with some lume loss but has aged into a stunning beige patina. Service hands has light wear. Crystal has light scratches and a couple chips at 2. Case back has an engraving "Albert E. Keen", and a couple cuts into the case from improper removal. Watch was serviced 02/01/2026 and comes with a one year warranty on the movement.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
The 1963 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-6 is one of the most historically important early references in the Speedmaster lineage and a cornerstone for collectors of vintage chronographs. Introduced as part of the second generation of Speedmasters (1959–1963), the 2998 series marked several key design evolutions from the original 1957 reference. The 2998-6, produced around 1962–1963, features a 39mm stainless steel straight-lug case, black aluminum tachymeter bezel, and a matte black dial with applied Omega logo and luminous baton hour markers. Unlike later Moonwatch models, this reference is notable for its distinctive Alpha hands for the hours and minutes, elements that give it a particularly elegant vintage aesthetic.
Inside the watch is the legendary Omega Calibre 321, a manual-winding column-wheel chronograph movement developed by Lemania and widely regarded as one of the finest chronograph calibres ever produced. The movement powers the classic tri-compax chronograph layout—small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock—and offers around 44 hours of power reserve. The watch was originally fitted with a hesalite crystal and typically paired with period-correct Omega flat-link bracelets such as the reference 7912.
Historically, the Speedmaster 2998 series holds special significance because it predates the official NASA Moonwatch yet was actually worn in space. Astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal Speedmaster 2998 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission in 1962, making it the first Omega worn in space before the model’s formal NASA qualification in 1965. Today, the 2998-6 is highly prized among vintage collectors for its rarity, elegant design details, and its place in the early story of the Speedmaster and human spaceflight.
Information:
Reference: 2998-6
Movement number: 18,946,XXX
Date: 1963
Dial: Radium
Hands: Service Tritium Hands
Bezel: Incorrect Later Reference B2 Insert
Bracelet: 7912 Clasp code with '6' end links (Generation 2) - Stainless Steel
Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 19mm
Movement: 321 (1st Generation) - Manual - Serviced 02-01-26 - One year warranty
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph
Accessories: N/A
Crystal: Hesalite
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has light normal wear with a couple light marks. Bracelet is in stunning condition with minimal wear and no sag. Bezel has minimal wear with one mark at 85. Dial has light wear with some lume loss but has aged into a stunning beige patina. Service hands has light wear. Crystal has light scratches and a couple chips at 2. Case back has an engraving "Albert E. Keen", and a couple cuts into the case from improper removal. Watch was serviced 02/01/2026 and comes with a one year warranty on the movement.
