Omega Chronometer Cal.30T2 18ct Pink Gold 1945

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. 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 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s and 60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the 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 to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A truly exceptional wonderful, fully original and unrestored, 18ct pink gold watch with the super high grade, Cal.30T2 chronometer, hand-wound movement, which is in sparkling condition. There are numerous aspects which make this watch a rare and special piece, including the beautifully aged cross-hair gold dial, the pristine condition of the 18ct pink gold case and the incredible Cal.30T2 movement. This 1940’s wristwatch is highly sought after, desirable and rare and oozes wonderful character and charm.

The Dial

The superb, fully original, unrestored and untouched cross-hair gold dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The original mixed ‘stud’ hour indices with applied gilt ‘2 – 4 – 6 – 8 -10 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals are matched with the original unrestored pink gilt ‘leaf’ hands, all of which look wonderful against the dial and pink gold case. This dial, with its subsidiary seconds dial and outer minute railtrack, is typical of the 1940s, effortlessly classic, elegant and stylish. It is just the kind of style which never goes out of fashion and which many of the largest watch companies are trying to recapture today.

As can be seen in the images this dial carries some wonderful signs of aging, including some spotting and a beautiful patina on the left side of the dial. This adds character and charm to the dial which is why we have chosen to leave it completely original and unrestored. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

The dial carries the Omega branding and is simply signed ‘Omega’ and ‘Chronometre’ just below the 12.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

During the late 19th and early 20th century, manufacturers and their master watchmakers expended significant amounts of time and resources in preparation for Observatory trials held throughout Europe. Unlike today’s annual watch fairs, these events were not intended to showcase new products, but to focus on the science of Chronometry and the ability to make chronometers measure time precisely.

Geneva observatory trials were opened exclusively for companies in the Canton of Geneva, whilst Neuenburg (French: Neuchâtel) competitions were open to all manufacturers. This is why Omega and Longines set up branches in Geneva as each wanted to take part in these prestigious Geneva competitions. The Omega Cal.30 was first released in 1939 and was so successful it remained in production, regularly certified as Chronometer grade, until 1963. It became famous for winning the first prize ‘for Precision’ i.e. accuracy and reliability, at the Kew Observatory trials in 1946 and went on to win back to back 1st prizes at the worlds most competitive trials in Geneva and Neuchâtel throughout 1947-1951. It not only beat all comers, including Patek Philippe but also relegated Omega’s own Tourbillon movement to second place!

As can be seen, the movement looks spectacularly pristine having been well cared for and properly maintained. It is marked ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’ and ’17 jewels’ with the serial number 10,332,188, dating manufacture to 1945.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. The watch winds, runs & sets smoothly and it is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +8 seconds/day! This excellent for any watch of this age and has been verified on our electronic timegrapher instrument. The watch also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours. We are therefore more than happy to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

The solid 18ct pink gold watch case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned winding crown. This makes this an exceptionally large wristwatch for the period. The case is of three-piece construction, with a rounded case-back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring pop.

The watch has been very well cared for and so after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. Even under high magnification, it is very hard to find any signs of wear, indicating this watch has seen very little use and has had a charmed life. The case is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed.

Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed with the Omega Watch Co. triangle branding, along with ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’. The case-back also carries the model reference number 10618900.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a high quality brown calf leather strap and Omega pink gold-plated buckle, which we feel suits the watch perfectly. If, however, 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

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 1945.

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 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 Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

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.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful and rare vintage hand-wound dress watch with a good-sized 18ct pink gold case, from one of Switzerland’s best known and most respected brands. The Omega Calibre 30T2 chronometer rated movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly 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.

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

We will also 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you