Omega Cal.17T 14ct Curvex Steel Case, 1936

Omega

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 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 to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission and in 1969 two Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Here we a have a classic example of the classic gentleman’s 1930s, 15 Jewel, Omega Curvex lens wristwatch in a relatively large 22mm steel case. The watch has been fully restored and benefits from a beautifully restored dial, fully inspected cleaned and lightly polished case, new high-quality strap and a vintage Omega presentation case.

Description

A superb fully restored example of a gentleman’s dress Omega Curvex dress watch from 1936.

The immaculate watch we see here has a large-sized steel case, size 22mm in width, excluding the correct Omega crown. This may seem a little on the small side until one considers the length of 39mm including the lugs and corner to corner size of 44mm. This watch has a gently curved profile to help follow the profile of the wrist. This is often referred to as a ‘Curvex’ type case.

This watch is fitted with its original Omega Calibre 17T movement which is very highly regarded for its dependability. This watch also carries highly desirable matching serial numbers on the movement and case proving this movement is original to this watch.

The Dial

As can be seen, the silver grey dial is simply beautiful. ‘Art deco’ numerals on a salmon dial with a classic 1930s subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The very attractive dial is complemented with delightful blued steel Gothic style hands which look just wonderful!

The style of the watch and dial overall is slightly reminiscent of the Cartier Tank introduced in 1919.

The dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the accompanying photograph.

The original dial has been restored to the very highest standards and now looks almost new. The hands are also in perfect condition, as is the curved lens.

The Case

This is a high style case with a slightly curved profile and a curved lens, which, as mentioned above, is known as a ‘Curvex’ case. It also has stunning hooded lugs which were popular during this period. The steel and has been exceedingly well cared for and is free from scratches, dings or engraving. At 22mm width, excluding the crown and 39mm in length, this is a large-sized watch case for the period. Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected and signed: Omega with the serial number 9895706. The case has been cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition showing only the very slightest signs of wear.

Please note, the mark on the side of the case more or less aligned to the 8 on the dial is a hallmark and not a ding or dimple.

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

The Movement

As can be seen, the movement is in very clean condition considering its age. This is the original Cal.17T  bi-metallic split balance, 15 Jewels movement. This movement was state of the art in the 1930s. It is signed Omega and numbered 9046934, dating the watch to 1936.

This watch has been well maintained and we have just given it a full inspection and service and so we are happy to offer the watch with a 12 months warranty.* With care and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more years to come.

Our watchmaker commented that he found the movement to be very clean and confirmed it has been properly maintained and there are no non-original parts. Following the service, he has calibrated the movement as usual and during our final checks including testing the watch for accuracy on our electronic test instrument we found the watch to be keeping time within 12 seconds per day.

We will be very happy to take care of future servicing for you.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality, light-brown padded camel grain leather strap is fitted with a plain buckle. If you have a preference for another colour or a different style of leather we will be pleased to change it for you.

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 1936. A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The watch comes complete with a vintage Omega presentation box, as shown.

In Conclusion

This is a really beautiful 1930s Art-Deco vintage gold watch from Omega, one of the most highly honoured and awarded Swiss watch manufacturers. It is to the credit of the company that this watch is still perfectly useable and reliable, just as it was when it left the factory 80 years ago!

This rare (particularly in this condition), beautiful and highly collectable vintage gold watch which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!

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. We await your call and we will be happy to help with any questions you may have about this watch or any of our collection.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. We will also be happy to service your vintage watch or assist with repairs or restoration as necessary.

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