Omega Cal.T17 9K 1935 – Famous Movement – Rare Black Dial

Description

In 1934 Omega introduced their famous hand-wound Calibre T17 movement. This tonneau-shaped movement was remarkable for being the first wristwatch movement available with a 60-hour power reserve! Here we have an immaculate example with a rare black dial. The watch has a good sized rectangular hinged (Dennison for Omega) case in 9ct yellow gold.

These watches are very popular among collectors meaning demand and prices always remain strong. However, this is also a practical and reliable watch to wear on a regular basis, particularly for evening wear.

Omega had produced around 8,000,000 watches and was rapidly approaching its first 100 years of watch manufacturing by the time this watch was manufactured, building on its enviable reputation for manufacturing some of the finest watch movements available. Vintage Omega watches from almost any period, are very highly regarded for their quality and the example we see here is outstanding!

The Dial

The rare black dial is classic 1930s art-deco with applied exploded Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’. The dial has a semi-matte black finish and the gilt ‘Index’ hands are original.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK. A new Omega lens has also been fitted.

The Movement

The original high-grade, Calibre T17, 15 Jewels hand-wound movement is remarkable for having a power reserve of 60-hours! This was a breakthrough in 1934 when the movement was launched as it requires a highly efficient powertrain and a long mainspring. This is not difficult in a pocket watch, but in a watch of this size, it was remarkable and quite an achievement.

A 60-hour power reserve means that if one day one forgets to wind the watch, it will run all the way through a second day and halfway through the third before it stops!

The movement is correctly signed Omega Watch Co Swiss and carries the Calibre number T17 and the Serial number 8772954, dating this watch to 1935.

This example is a gem and following its overhaul and service, it is running perfectly and is in absolutely sparkling condition! We are therefore very happy to offer this watch with our 12 months warranty*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The high quality Dennison 9ct yellow gold case measures 21mm x 40mm and 44mm across the diagonal. So this is a good sized watch. The case is two-piece and hinged. Although this is not a waterproof or dustproof watch, the movement is protected by a separate protective cover which provides quite an effective barrier for dust and water.  However, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

Having been cleaned, carefully examined and lightly hand-polished by our case-maker, the case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb general condition of the rest of the watch, indicates this watch has received an excellent level of care and only light use.

As this was a UK market watch, the case was made for Omega in the UK by Dennison, the Birmingham based case-makers who made watch cases for a number of Swiss watch manufacturers including Rolex. The case is therefore signed ‘Dennison Made in England’ and ‘A.L.D.’ which was also a Dennison signature. It also carries the case reference numbers 88172 and 93283 along with Birmingham UK 9ct hallmarks.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown Crocodile leather strap with a gold plated Omega buckle has been fitted, which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. However, we can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1935. A detailed Particulars document will be included in the sale with a detailed purchase receipt and 12 months’ Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided along with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The watch also comes complete with the hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy and with 12 months Warranty.*

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of a high quality 1930s black dial Omega, in 9ct yellow gold with a superb movement. The movement makes this watch very special, being the first successful 60-hour wristwatch! Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

If treated with care this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece, to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest and safest method of payment. We take most credit and debit cards. However, if you wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Delivery is free within the UK and we charge only £45 for worldwide delivery via DHL or FedEx.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline on 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095  or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale, or if you would simply like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

Finally, please take a look at our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!

Thank you.