Omega Cal.R17.8 14ct 1939

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Omega Speedmasters were the first watches to arrive on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we a have an outstanding example of a square 1930s, gentleman’s Omega dress watch with a good-sized 26mm x 26mm 14ct watch case, in previously restored A1 condition. This watch contains the very high grade R17.8, 17 jewel hand- wound movement which is also in outstanding condition.

The Dial

The superb previously restored dial has incredible gold roman numerals, matched with the original unrestored ‘needle’ hands, each of which look wonderful against the yellow gold case and black dial. The dial is simply beautiful and the addition of the subsidiary seconds dial just completes it perfectly. The design of the dial and case puts this firmly in the dressier ‘dress watch’ evening wear category.

The dial is simply signed with an applied yellow gold Omega brand with ‘Omega’ and ‘Importe de Suisse’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in outstanding condition.

The Movement

This watch contains its original and high grade Omega 17 jewel, Calibre R17.8 hand-wound movement. This movement remains in sparkling clean condition and signed ‘Omega’ and ‘Swiss’ with the Calibre No.R17.8 and ’17 Jewels’.

Our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker has just given the movement a full inspection, overhaul and service and commented that he found the movement to be particularly clean and also indicated it has been properly maintained. Following the service he has carefully calibrated the watch and following our final checks, including testing the watch for accuracy on our electronic test instrument, we found the watch to be keeping time within +10 seconds per day. This is outstanding for any watch of this age.

We are very happy to offer the watch with our 12 months’ warranty*. With care and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come!

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

The Case

The solid 14ct yellow gold case is 26mm square, excluding the signed Omega crown and 38mm including the lugs. This may sound a little on the small side, but in fact, it equates to around about a 35mm diameter normal watch, as corner to corner, the case measures 40mm.

The watch case has been carefully inspected, cleaned and lightly polished, which was all which was required to bring it back to the immaculate condition you see here with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’ and carries Swiss 14ct hallmarks.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A genuine, original Omega black leather strap has been fitted, along with an Omega gold-plated buckle. We feel the strap matches the watch nicely, 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 at short notice.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1939.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.