INDUSTRY NEWS: Omega Speedmaster Sells for a Record Breaking Amount at Phillips Auction

Steel watches on the auction circuit have sure seen their fair share of coverage in the last few months. The absolute record smashing Paul Newman Daytona was… pure enthusiast insanity when it was auction off for a dizzying $17,800,000. Even the crazy story of the green-dial Nautilus selling for a whopping $400,000 is enough to make your head spin.

However, yesterday another watch sold at auction was announced. This time. An Omega Speedmaster from the year 1957. Specifically the CK2915-1 (more commonly known as the “Broad Arrow”) predicted to sell for a max of 120,000 CHF or around $130,000 USD.

No. Instead, the final price of the watch came to roughly $3,300,000 USD. Another record smashing number for Omega at any auction in recent memory. Honestly, a seriously impressive feat for what many consider a fairly standard Speedmaster.

The CK2915 model of Speedmaster was only produced for a couple of years. With the first model being produced in 1957. The Broad Arrow was part of a trilogy collection featuring the Broad Arrow, the Railmaster, and the Seamaster 300. This trio was recently reissued in 2018 with more modern aesthetics - however true to form. The CK2915-1 is noticeably unique for its time period because of the large “arrow” hour hand of its coined namesake.

Normally, well kept and rarely worn Speedmasters tend to keep their dark black dial tones, however this specific Broad Arrow has seen plenty of sun. The deep and rich dark brown color is called a “tropical” dial in reference to the exposure to the sun. Additionally, this is one of (if not the) the most collectible Speedmasters as it was the first generation to feature a tachymeter on the bezel rather than the dial. It’s also powered by the coveting Omega Calibre 321 - a highly sought after movement in the vintage Speedmaster market.

All these achievements have created a sort of perfect storm for Phillips Auction and Omega. Driving the bidding up to abnormally high ranges, and providing one very lucky enthusiast with deep pockets a truly unique timepiece.

Here’s to the next 30x estimate watch to hit the auction circuit.