Omega Cal.30T2 1942 37mm 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

A mechanical watch rarely makes it to 80 years of age in such fine condition. The all-original dial and furnishings are a window into the past and at 37mm case diameter, it’s an extraordinarily large piece from the early 1940s, further adding to its attraction.

The Dial

The very thin bezel on this watch makes the overall appearance of the dial and case exceedingly attractive. The sparse design has Bauhaus influences with art deco numerals.

This classic all-original dial is entirely original and unrestored. Painted standard Arabic numerals mark the hours 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, interspersed with inlaid gilt studs. The dial is complete with its original set of steel syringe hands.

This dial is in amazing condition considering the age of the watch with no pitting and very little spotting, fading or staining. The dial shows the very slightest signs of ageing and has a nice and even patina. All the numerals, outer minutes rail track, and subsidiary seconds dial are clear and distinct. As is the correct Omega brand and signature below the 12.

This is the original dial which remains unrestored and untouched.

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. Instead, the Observatory trials focused on the science of Chronometry and the ability to make chronometers measure time precisely.

Geneva observatory trials were exclusive 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 – they wanted to take part in 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 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 stainless Omega movement looks beautifully clean considering its age, having been well cared for and properly maintained. It is marked – 15 jewels – and with the serial number 9637339 making the date of manufacture 1942.

The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. The watch therefore winds, runs & sets smoothly and it is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +6 seconds/day! This excellent for any watch of this age. These results have been verified on our electronic Timegrapher. 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

This very large 37mm Omega Swiss made case features a remarkably thin bezel, make the dial area very large indeed. Short straight sweeping lugs enable the watch to sit beautifully on the wrist

The very high quality, oversized stainless steel watch case measures a massive 37mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. This is an exceedingly large gentleman’s watch for the early 1940s making this a very rare watch.

The inside of the press-fit case-back is inscribed with the Omega Watch Co triangle, as well as the case serial number 10420277.

This watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed. 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 dark brown suede strap, which we feel suits the watch perfectly, and an Omega signed buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to offer your alternative choice, free of charge.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct and indicate the date of manufacture to 1942.

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 presentation box shown in the images 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 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

This is a first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! This will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction 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 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 call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage watches.

Thank you