From November 5th to 7th, 2021, Phillips, together with Bacs & Russo, will hold the “Watches Collection – Geneva XIV” auction. An Replica Omega Speedmaster Ref.2915-1 stainless steel chronograph watch (Lot 53) was auctioned for 3,115,500 Swiss francs (equivalent to about 21.8 million yuan), making it the highest-priced Omega watch ever sold at a public auction.
Produced in 1957, this piece was the first Replica Omega Speedmaster (along with the Seamaster and Ironmaster, which were also released in the three classic models of 1957). The watch is 38mm in diameter and features classic Broad Arrow hands and a Tropical brown dial. In addition to the dial, the fluorescent materials on the hands and hour markers also age at the same rate, showing a charming golden hue, and the overall appearance is well-balanced and integrated, which is very popular with collectors. The pre-auction estimate of this watch was “only” 80,000 to 120,000 Swiss francs, and it was finally sold at 3.12 million, which was 26 times the highest estimate and was the biggest surprise at the auction.
The Replica Omega Ref.2915 watch was only produced from 1957 to 1959 and can be subdivided into three small models, of which Ref.2915-1 is one of the earliest and most collectible Speedmasters. In addition, the Omega Ref.2915 was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel rather than the dial, and the first Speedmaster to feature the famous Calibre 321 movement.
