Inspired by the 1959 CK 2998, the Speedmaster CK 2998 Limited Edition 2018, which we covered earlier this year, is a contemporary version of the original with the same style Alpha-shaped hands and straight lugs, as opposed to baton-shaped hands and lyre (twisted) lugs, seen on most modern Speedmasters.
The dial is white or cream depending on the light and is officially called “silvery” by the manufacturer. The hands for the three subdials are sand-blasted to a matte finish, just like the main dial. The centrally mounted Alpha-shaped hour and minute hands, and the baton-shaped applied indices are more of a dark silver, and also feature a matte finish.
Accentuating the black and white Panda dial is a bright red varnished needle-shaped chronograph second hands and the “Speedmaster” moniker printed in the same shade of red at 12. This coupled with the micro-perforated black leather strap with white rubber lining create a sporty look that is quite handsome.
The bezel is black ceramic and has a pulsometer scale with white markings which is a nod to past versions that could be purchased in four different variations (tachymeter, pulsometer, decimal or telemeter). Omega chose the Pulsometer scale for this limited edition, which seems counterintuitive to the race-oriented color scheme that is congruent with a tachymeter.
A solid caseback with an embossed Omega emblem hides the manually wound caliber 1861. Beats at 3Hz the 18 jewel movement powers hours, minutes and the chronograph which includes (60-seconds, 30-minutes, 12-hours), for up to 48-hours.
The Speedmaster CK2998 Limite Edition 2018 features a fully polished stainless steel case that measures 39.7 mm x 14.37 mm and is issued in a limited numbered edition of 2998 pieces, which may seem like a lot for a limited edition but for Omega this amount will make them very hard to come by.
On the wrist, this watch is attractive although it wears a little too small for my taste, however, its conservative sub 40 mm diameter is a good size for many wrists. I personally like the appearance of the traditional 42 mm Moonwatch (pictured) a little bit better, but would not be opposed to having one of each. They’re both great classic looks that are hard to beat.
The retail price is $5,850. (Ref. 311.32.40.30.02.001)
