Description

This watch contains one of Omega’s first series automatic movements, initially produced from 1942 to 1949 as the Cal.28.10 RA PC. The movement was developed into the 330 series of movements including the 332 which powered the first Omega Seamaster in 1947-48, and the Cal.342 in 1949 which remained in production until 1955.  This highly successful movement, with a power reserve of 42 hours, was part of a family of Omega’s automatic movements with over 1,300,000 produced – 500,000 of which were Chronometers. This series powered many thousands of the early Omega Seamaster and Constellation watches and much of the modern-day success of the Omega company we know today can rightly be attributed to this movement.

The Dial

The silver coloured dial carries applied 3, 9 and 12 standard Arabic numerals and applied ‘baton’ hour indices. The style is clean and elegant, with a mix of military and art-deco influences.

The numerals are transcribed by the original restored gilt ‘Lance’ hands. These, along with the batons have been restored using a special dial restorer’s green paint which sympathetically replicates the original look of the luminous paint used when this watch was produced.

The dial catches the light nicely and changes from an off-white in daylight to a pale silver indoors. It is beautifully balanced with a subsidiary seconds hand at ‘6’.

The dial simply carries the Omega brand and Omega Automatic signature, with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial. A new correct lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

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

The Movement

As discussed above, the Omega Cal.342 was one of Omega’s first automatic movements and part of the highly successful Calibre 330 series of automatic movements, which became the foundation of Omega’s later collection. This series is directly responsible for Omega’s incredible early success with its Seamaster and Constellation family of watches from the middle of the last century onwards.

The beryllium bronze movement is all correctly signed: ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Swiss’ and ’17 jewels’ with the Calibre number 342 and the serial number 12628953, which dates the manufacture of the watch to 1951.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and the watch winds, runs and sets smoothly and is keeping excellent time. Following its service it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +3 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 42 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 very elegant 14ct yellow gold case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the correct Omega winding crown, making this a midsize wristwatch for the period. The case is of three-piece construction with a press-fit case back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring click.

The ribbed case profile and overall design carries a good deal of 1940s style with nicely crafted lugs, making the case of obvious high quality and sophistication.

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, all is as expected and correctly signed: ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Swiss Made’ with the case serial numbers F-6536, and 1339166. This is a U.S made case, made for Omega by the Star Watch Co. in Elgin, Illinois. It therefore carries 14ct markings.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality brown leather strap has been fitted, along with matching Omega gold plated buckle. 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 at short notice.

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 1951.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 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 at any time, 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 with this watch.