Good evening Folks!

I don't know if you have followed the auction today at Bonhams in London?
There were lots of nice watches and there was 2998-1 that they had up for bidding,
serial nr showing a Jan 1960 production year.
Not the best (and I don't know much..), but maybe you Guys could comment on the watch and explain a bit?
I didn't bother Bonhmans for more pics or info.
I do understand that the dial isn't the best?

It was sold for £19,125 inc. premium.

Here are some pictures and also a link to study more in detail :
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/276...inal-owner-speedmaster-ref-2998-1-circa-1960/


And have a nice evening!

 

I will never understand certain things in life. This is one of them.

 

What's with the shiny ring around the dial and half of "Swiss Made" is cut off. Missing rehaut?

 

The rehaut is silver on these early references

 

That is the rehaut. They were silver up until the Ed White.

Edit: quick work David!

 

Oh interesting, thanks guys. Can't say I've ever noticed that before. Learn something new every day here.

 

What do you guys think of the condition!?
Hands kind of white?

 

It’s not a ‘condition condition condition’ piece, and even though it is brown, it’s a great example of why other similar 2998-1/2’s with these characteristics, but in pristine condition, sell for about 4x more when they come to market. I am glad there are still folk out there who appreciate such watches even for a lot of money…

 

What a bargain !
In my opinion, such watches are much more attractive than all the ones that are "prepared"...

 

Did you ever notice if you say the word “rehut” over and over, it stops sounding like a word?

 

I agree the hands stand out as very white compared to the rest. Could just be the contrast with how much everything else has faded. I think the spots on the dial and moldy lume aren’t looking so hot.

 

That dial might make some overlook them hands.

 

Well, if I zoom in, they look kind of old, but I can't judge the correctness (I haven't done any research).
It would have been nice if some of the Big Guns could do an assessment??

 

We’re all big guns now haha !!

 

@hansaboy There’s tons of reviews here on OF to look through… just search for the reference in the search button.

For a focused review, see Will’s excellent material at Speedmaster101.com

 

Yes, I know that, the thing is that I'm trying to learn/focus on the newer ones...
2998:s are not my "target" right now, but really beautiful watches.
I did a quicky on Speedmaster101 and on this forum, and maaaaan...... I understand why some people only focus on specific references!

 

Love the black dials more every day........

 

Straight Lugs Speedmaster chronographs look so much better

 

I like the brown but I'm not a fan of the moldy lume. What's up with that bracelet? It looks weird

 

@Davidt - do you want to have a go regarding assessment on this watch (if you have the time and patience...)?
Im always curious regarding new stuff!
And It feels like you have a Ninja feeling regarding this ref nr?