Omega Cal.266 Tropical Dial 1953 36mm Oversize

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

An all-original ‘black and gold’ Omega stainless steel wristwatch, with an original black tropical dial yellow gilt furnishings. All but the strap are entirely original and the condition of the package is outstanding for a 70 year old watch. The 36mm stainless steel case has thick curved lugs and a screw-down case-back, overall, giving this stylish watch a confident, yet not overstated wrist presence.

The Dial

A beautifully aged original black dials is always a wonderful thing to see, but here it is close to perfect.  The very even gilt speckle patina pairs beautifully with the yellow gilt arrowhead & pencil indices, and dauphine hands.

This is the original dial which remains unrestored and untouched. Considering its age it is in amazing condition.

The overall effect is quite wonderful in real life. Depending on the angle of the light, the dial changes from a lightly and evenly speckled brown-black, to an almost uniformly light golden colour. Needless to say, the dial looks much better in true life, rather than in the photographs.

The sub-seconds dial at 6 completes this beautifully balanced dial.

The dial is ‘Omega’ signed and carries the Omega brand at 12. Along with ‘Swiss Made’ at 6.

The Movement

The Omega Calibre 266, 17 jewels copper-plated beryllium bronze hand-wound movement is part of the famous Omega 30mm series. This series was continually developed over 25 years and during this period, became a cornerstone of Omega’s technical and commercial development. It is very highly regarded, not only for its accuracy and reliability, but also for its dependability in a wide range of adverse conditions. Indeed it is this series of hand-wound movements, along with Omega’s early automatic movement of around the same time, which were largely responsible for Omega’s success in the second half of the last century and through to the current day.

As can be seen, the movement is in pristine, sparkling condition and has obviously been very well cared for. It is of course, signed Omega Watch Co, Swiss and marked with the calibre number 266 and 17 jewels, along with the movement serial number 13526401 which dates the watch to 1943.

This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +2 seconds/day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age and was tested on our electronic time-grapher. The power reserve on this movement is 45 hours when fully wound. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly, exactly as it should. We therefore have no hesitation in offering a 12 month warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

This heavy 36mm Omega case has a stepped design, which carries through to the lugs as well as the bezel. The edges remain sharp and well defined, indicating that this watch has been well cared for and has not been overpolished. The lugs are straight, tapered, and slightly swept back, to raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence.

Inscribed on the case-back exterior is ‘Omega Swiss’ and ‘Waterproof’, describing the water-resistant seal created by the screw-down case-back. Inside, reads ‘Stainless-Steel’, the Omega Watch Co triangle, ‘Swiss-Made’ as well as the model reference number 2639.

Although this watch was initially specified as waterproof this has not been tested and is therefore not guaranteed.

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new high quality brown suede strap with an original Omega buckle. We feel the strap matches the watch nicely, but if you disagree please let us know and we will do our best to fit your preferred strap free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. 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.

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 1943.

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”.

A high-quality presentation box is included in this sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 simply beautiful example of an early Oversized Omega Calibre 266 dress watch. The 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 about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best 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 method of payment. However, if you choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. 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.

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, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us on 020 7727 7095. Or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.

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

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage watches!