LISBON.- An Omega Speedmaster 2998-5, the same model used by American astronaut Wally Schirra in his space flight in 1962 and certified by NASA in 1965, is offered at auction next week.

This rare wristwatch created by Omega as part of its iconic professional collection was launched in 1957 as a sports chronograph (under the model 2915, which was replaced by 2998, in 1959), but turned to be a distinguished piece when Schirra decided to take it during the fifth expedition of NASA’s Mercury Project. At the time of its release, the Speedmaster was an innovative timepiece considering its size and the integration of the tachymeter scale outside the dial.

Aware of their astronauts' use of personal items as watches, NASA invited some of the world's most important watchmakers to submit its best models to an intensive testing program that would lead to the certification of Speedmaster 2998-5, in 1965, as the only chronograph that could be officially used by astronauts in space missions.

For its remarkable history and performance, the Speedmaster (Pre-Moon Edition) would become one of the most sought-after models around the world, knowing in 2017 a 60 years commemorative reedition by Omega.

Other important lots to be auctioned in the same evening include timepieces by such relevant makers as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Franck Muller, Asprey, Girard Perregaux or Corum, as well as an interesting collection of vintage watches from different brands.

The auction full catalogue is available online at www.veritas.art. The sale preview takes place from 21st to 24th September from 10am to 9pm at Avenida Elias Garcia, 157A/B, Lisbon, Portugal. The sale takes place on the 25th September at 9pm, at the same venue.