The Omega Speedmaster reference CK2915, the one that started it all. When launched in 1957, the CK2915 began life as an unassuming tool watch which fate would turn into the most celebrated timepiece ever produced. It formed the template for all that would follow — aside from the arrow-tipped hour hand and dagger minute hand, flat-link bracelet and symmetrical case — otherwise it bears an even a closer relationship to its progeny 65 years on than current Porsche 911s do to the first version.

How celebrated? Well, we know that prices for the CK2915 have been on an upward trajectory since the first time it set records for the Speedmaster when Phillips Watches sold a pristine example of a ref. CK2915-1 for the superb sum of CHF 408,500, against an estimate of CHF 80,000-140,000, at their Geneva Watch Auction on 12 May 2018. Of course, that record was been well and shattered a short three years on when a tropical chocolate dial example of the ref. 2915-1 sold with Phillips again at the November 2021 Geneva sale for an earth-shattering CHF 3,115,500.

The CK2915 was one of the most distinct sport watches to have ever been created. Its matt black dial featured high visibility yet elegant attenuated luminous indexes. It featured three counters, one for continuous seconds, one for the 30-minute counter as well as a 12-hour counter which was vital for endurance races. The hour hand was a brilliant original design known as the “Broad Arrow” for its unique shape, and was combined with an equally aggressive minute hand, both treated with luminous material. In recognition of the reference’s importance in the universe of horology and culture, Omega is marking the 65th anniversary of the reissue of the timepiece that has been given the makeover of a lifetime.

From there we move on to the details that we the #SpeedyAddicts go gaga over. Starting with the crown this time, we note that Omega’s given the Speedmaster 321 Canopus Gold^TM the NAIAD symbol on its crown, which was specifically used to reference water-resistance in some of the first CK2915 models.

Next, we look to the bezel, which on the 1957 CK2915 presented the very first watch with an engraved tachymeter on a bezel, placed there for maximum visibility. On the Speedmaster 321 Canopus Gold^TM the bezel has been given this engraved tachymeter filled in with black “Grand Feu” enamel. Further examination will reveal that the tachymeter has been endowed with the famous dot over ninety (DON) and a dot diagonal to seventy details.

Moving on to the dial, here Omega’s opted for a deep black onyx stepped dial with an applied vintage OMEGA logo and typography featuring the “oval O” (typical for the first CK2915 models). Thereafter, the watch has been given 18K white gold hands paired with Canopus Gold^TM PVD treated indexes. All of which feature a contemporary stark white lume rather than the typical cream lume we tend to observe on vintage CK2915s.

The Speedmaster 321 Canopus Gold^TM, is again as its name suggests, powered by the New Original Caliber 321, which was announced in 2019 in marking the Apollo 11 mission’s 50th anniversary.

Read more about the New Original Caliber 321 here:

Details of Omega’s New Original Calibre 321 (with Live Pictures)

The Best There Ever Was — Omega Calibre 321, the #MoonCalibre

Turning the watch over, the display caseback gives us a view at this reissue of the legendary calibre 321 with one last detail that’s meant just for the wearer. On the clear sapphire of the caseback Omega’s engraved the OMEGA Seahorse — a brand icon used on the Speedmaster since 1957 — on the inside of the sapphire crystal glass with an eye made from a sparkling blue sapphire, a precious jewel that traditionally marks a 65-year celebration.

Tech Specs

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER 321 CANOPUS GOLD^TM

Ref: 311.50.39.30.01.001
Movement: Manual-winding New Original Caliber 321; 55-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds and chronograph
Case: 38.6 mm; Canopus Gold^TM; engraved outer tachymeter filled in with black “Grand Feu” enamel; DON and dot diagonal to seventy bezel; water resistant to 60m
Dial: Black onyx
Strap: 18K Canopus Gold™ bracelet with a comfort release adjustment system
Price: USD 81,000 / CHF 75,000 / SGD 118,750 / GBP 69,500

The timepiece is presented in a special wooden box, crafted with a Rosewood-like pattern in honor of the collection’s 65th anniversary. The shape and design of the box is inspired by the original Speedmaster boxes that customers would have received in 1957.

More details: omegawatches.com