Omega Cal.30 T2 RG SC Chronometer 14ct 1942, ‘Scientific’ Dial

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega have 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 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 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

Hand-wound Omega Chronometers are very special watches, due to the precision of their movements which were designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for their day. This was independently tested and certified by an official Observatory, usually Swiss or British, such as Neuchatel Observatory, Geneva Observatory, or Kew Observatory in London. Tests of the accuracy and reliability of individual watches were carried out over numerous weeks in 6 positions and over a range of temperatures. Only individual watches which passed these very strict tests qualified and were granted permission to be classed as “Chronometer grade” watches. Furthermore, each year special prizes were awarded to the manufacturer who submitted the most accurate wristwatch, and the manufacturer who submitted the highest number of watches to qualify as Chronometers. Manufacturers competed fiercely for these prizes as they were highly coveted and publicised. Just as with the motor manufacturers associated with Formula 1 Grand Prix winners of yesteryear and today, the publicity was priceless. Rolex, Omega, Longines and Zenith were the most successful manufacturers in submitting watches which passed these tests and also winning prizes as outright winners.

The Dial

A simply superb dial in two-tone ivory/cream and silver, furnished with applied 1 – 12 numerals in yellow gold, matched with the original ‘Leaf’ hands and blued steel centre seconds hand. The hands have been cleaned, but have not been restored due to their remarkably good condition and also to retain their character and originality. They have been affected by some slight pitting which is evident in the photos, taken with a macro lens. However, these marks are hardly evident, if at all, on the wrist.

Due to its slightly technical look with cross-hair dial and outer rail track chapter ring divided into fifths of a second, this watch was referred to as the ‘Scientific’.

The dial is signed with the Omega brand, with ‘Omega’, and ‘Chronomètre’ and a new replacement lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its original Omega Cal.30 T2 RG Chronometer movement which was based on one of the best and famous movements made by Omega. The Caliber 30, created in 1939 is one of the main foundations of the success of Omega in the modern era. Omega produced more than 3000,000 movements based on the Cal.30 from 1939 to 1963. The 30 T2 RG was created in 1940 and is the ultimate version of this, which was designated a Chronometer movement by independent Observatory testing.

This is a very robust movement which is very reliable and easy to maintain. The design is very simple but highly efficient with two main bridges; one for the barrel and other for the train wheels that include the escape wheel. The balance cock is very robust and in the RG model, is equipped with a fine adjustment micro screw. In the central second model (SC) there is an extra bridge for the sweep seconds pinion.

This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +5 seconds per day with a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’, and ’16 Jewels’, and with the Calibre number: 30 T2 RG and the movement serial number 9737487 which dates the watch to 1942.

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

The Watch Case

The high quality, substantial and quite heavy 14ct yellow gold watch case measures 33mm, excluding the Omega signed crown. The case is quite deep at 11mm, making the watch appear larger on the wrist. The case-back is rounded, beautifully polished and scratch free and is of a classic and robust three-piece construction with a press fit case-back.

The case is in absolutely superb condition indicating it must have been very well cared for and only lightly used throughout its life. It has been carefully inspected, cleaned and lightly polished to bring it back to the immaculate condition you see here with no scratches or marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

Inside the case, all is as expected and correctly signed: ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss Made’ and carries the case serial number 10522259, along with Swiss 14ct hallmarks.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new high-quality brown Crocodile strap with matching yellow gold plated Omega buckle. We think this matches the watch very well, 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, but 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 straps if you wish here.

The 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 1942. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A beautiful example of a top of the range Omega Chronometer dress watch with a stunning dial. The movement is one of the best hand-wound movements ever made and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost far 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 about 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.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. 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.

If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

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

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

Thank you.