Omega Marine CK 3635: A Collector's Serendipitous Find
Vintage

Omega Marine CK 3635: A Collector's Serendipitous Find

By Subexplorer · Feb 27, 2020 · 20 replies
Subexplorer
WPS member · Omega forum
20 replies2253 views9 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Subexplorer's recent acquisition of an Omega Marine CK 3635 offers a fascinating glimpse into early waterproof watchmaking. His post details the serendipitous discovery of this vintage Omega, a piece he had long admired from afar. This article delves into the nuances of the CK 3635, exploring its historical significance and technical attributes, as illuminated by Subexplorer's personal experience and community insights.

20 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
Last December our Dr. No shared with us his beautiful example of the Omega Marine CK 3635 and I kept drooling for long after reading and wiewing the pictures in his post about the first water proof Omega and one of the first "diver´s watches".

I knew this watch only by photographs in books and Internet but I had never seen an example of this watch nor the previous version of the Marine (the model of 1932) in the metal and for a long time I had been wishing to add one to my collection of vintage Omegas.

Last Friday I received a call from a friend, the owner of a local vintage watches shop from whom I got several interesting pieces in the past. He asked me to visit him asap to view something I may like.

Regrettably a long four day week end holiday and work at the office made me pospone the visit tll today Thursday.

I was highly surprised to discover this little watch in the wrist of my friend. A Marine!!

And in spite of its hand set which I suspect is not the correct one, I fell in love with this little watch and its lovely black dial with gilt inscriptions and impeccable for its age case and I couldn´t help to bring it on my wrist while driving back to my office.

This watch was purchased by my friend from an occasional client who entered his shop looking for a larger watch to replace the "little old one" he had been wearing for many years as his daily beater. When the client showed his watch my friend inmediately recognized it and once again remembered me and my "wish book".

The little T-17 movement inside is working perfectly and I feel it will only need a cleaning and oiling but otherwise looks beautiful. I was surprised to read somewhere that its power reserve is 60 hours! I´m sure Art will confirm if this is true.

There are two different serial numbers on its movement and case which suggests the watch was made circa 1939/43.

Here a few shots taken in haste at my office. I hope Art will approve it!

Best! Abel.


Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635



Watch by Omega, Omega Vintage, CK 3635

About the Omega Omega Vintage Ref. 3635

The Omega reference 3635 is a notable example from the brand's vintage offerings, representing a period of design and mechanical development. This reference is recognized for its specific aesthetic characteristics and the movement housed within, distinguishing it from other contemporary Omega models. It reflects the manufacturing practices and stylistic preferences prevalent during its production era, appealing to collectors interested in the brand's historical output.

This particular reference features a case crafted from a specific material, enclosing a manual-winding movement. The caliber is known for its robust construction and reliability, offering a power reserve suitable for daily wear. The crystal protecting the dial is typically of a material common for the period, contributing to the overall vintage appeal of the timepiece.

For collectors, the reference 3635 offers insight into Omega's mid-century production. Its appeal lies in its originality and the opportunity to own a piece of the brand's mechanical heritage. Variants of this reference may exist, often differing in dial finish or case material, providing a range of options for those seeking specific configurations.

Specifications

Caliber
30T2
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
35mm
Dial
Silver
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
CP
Cpt Scarlet
Feb 27, 2020
Beautiful vintage Omega...

This is a great piece for your collection dear Abel. Congratulations !

SU
Subexplorer
Feb 28, 2020
Thank you so much for your kind compliments and comments dear Captain! Cheers! Abel [nt]

DR
Dr No
Feb 27, 2020
Woo-hoo!! That's what I call . . .

. . . a stroke of good luck! Wholly original and in excellent condition, Abel, including the hand-set. And yes, the T-17 movement has a specified power reserve of 60 hours, although I haven't confirmed that stat independently. I suspect modern replacement mainsprings may not replicate the duration of original equipment. Mine exhibits excellent timing characteristics; now I need to check its power reserve from a full wind. Thrilled, Art

SU
Subexplorer
Feb 28, 2020
Thank you so much dear Art! Agree that it was a very fortunate find. I´m happy to know you like it and surprised you confirm handset is correct!

Also interesting to know that the original power reserve was 60 hours. Of course it is possible that a replaced mainspring can´t reach this so long reserve. It´s incredible that in such an small movement Omega could make a mainspring capable to obtain such a long reserve!! This watch needs a good cleaning and oiling and I will send it to a watchmaker as soon as I can. Thank you again for your comments my friend! Abel

RE
remarque
Feb 27, 2020
A real beauty. You are indeed fortunate. Can't be too many of them floating around... Glory days of yore! [nt]

SU
Subexplorer
Feb 28, 2020
Thank you so much for your kind comments Remarque! Indeed they are not common sight, at least in my hunting grounds. As a matter of fact it is the first one I view in the metal. Abel [nt]

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Omega forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →