Comments:
My Chronometre'
My Omega Chronometre
A 1940’s Omega Chronometre has been vaguely on my radar for a long time.
Now and again I’ve perused through the online dealers and Ebay’s meager assortment of chronometre’s, but usually found the prices to high or the quality (redials abundant) to low.
As with so many other watches I would love to own (ex. Rolex 1016 Explore), I was beginning to think, that the train of decent and affordable specimens had perhaps already left the station.
Last month saw the rare occasion, when a Chronometre came up at a local auction house here in Denmark, and for once the quality seemed decent, relative to the final bid,
so I’m now finally the proud owner of a ref. 2367, two-tone, 35,5 mm Omega Chronometre of 1944 vintage !
The dial is somewhat blemished and appear to suffer quite a bit from a cleaning attempt gone wrong, but it seems original and retains a vivid two-tone effect, changing with the light.
The outer hour ring has a metallic silver-like finish, and the art deco roman numerals are charming. I particular like the “watchmaker’s 4”.
The steel case is also two-tone, with a bronze like red gold bezel, that further adds character to the watch, and perhaps is the reason it wears larger then the 35 mm.
A two-tone case is a first for me, and I was initially a bit hesitant, but it works very well on the wrist in conjunction with a brown strap. I’ll properly get a more light brown strap though,- perhaps ostrich.
Crown is of course not original, and should properly be the same color as the bezel (?).
The movement is not by any means perfect, with tarnish on the wheels, discoloration on the bridges and a lot of scratching on the regulation index-plate.
However the movement looks all original, with a bimetallic Earnshaw cut balance wheel and the wonderfully shaped anchor. The watch runs about -20 sec/24h, so it will go to the shop in due course.
I’ve been wearing the watch a lot these last weeks,- as one does a new addition, and am really satisfied with the looks and wrist-presence, although it was, and clearly is, the movement with all its history, that holds the greatest allure for me. Happy days.
Now usually a tale like this would end here, but as we know,- fate sometimes moves in marvelous ways:
After getting my watch about a month ago I’ve been searching the net and reading a lot about Omega Chronometre’ and the history surrounding them,
so when I noticed yet another Chronometre at a different Danish auction house last week, I thought my brain was playing tricks.
Thou the lugs on the watch was badly shaved, I placed a very low bid,- just for the heck of it, and am now the happy accumulator of 2 Chronometre’ !!
My second version is an 18 ct. ref. 2364 from about 1945.
The dial is also somewhat tarnished and damaged, but well within my esthetic tolerance level. Particularly as it also seems original. Blue seconds hand is a nice bonus.
As mentioned, the lugs have been way too close to the polishing wheel, way too often, but they are still safe and stable, so I live with them. Otherwise the case is fine and the crown again not original.
Gravitation more and more toward older watches, I’m fortunate to be quite happy with smaller watches. The 33 mm diameter of this piece works just fine with me. Here a dark brown alligator strap is a forthcoming must.
This time the movement is much better. Slight discoloration on the bridges, but apparently also all original.
With 2 diverse and, I believe, all original speciments falling (almost) into my lap within a month, I unexpectedly find myself well and truly in the Chronometre fraternity. What a nice place to be !
I do have 2 questions that someone perhaps would be kind to venture an answer to:
What would the relative cost of a Omega Chronometre have been back in 1944-45,- versus ordinary 30mm and relative to the direct competitors, say PP Calatrava 96 ?
What can you expect in precision from these + 70 year old movements after an ordinary service ?
Yours
Jacob/Copenhagen
You've got two lovely vintage watches there. Congratulations.
Those 1940s Omegas are really nice watches. Here's mine (not a chronometer but quite similar to yours).
Regards Kev.
Congrats on a very nice pair!
I think with the right watchmaker, a Chronometre precision should not be a problem.
Best
Blomman
You're a . . .
. . . very fortunate guy.
To find two original Ω chronomètres within such a short period of time is practically an act of Providence. The ref 2367 is nothing short of spectacular; I've only seen one other steel reference with a rose gold bezel. They're extremely rare and highly desirable.
Servicing one of these movements is cause for extreme caution. If it's running reasonably well, leave well enough alone. Damaging the balance is practically an irreparable act . . . it's simply not worth the risk. Critical spare parts are exceedingly scarce. Normally, I wouldn't recommend sending a watch to Omega, but if you don't already have a trusted watchmaker, then this would be the one instance where I'd at least consider the option, if only because they may still have spare parts readily available in inventory. (Note that I wrote 'may'; I don't know that to be the case.)
These rg movements are capable performers.
Try to source original crowns, or reasonable facsimiles, especially for the 2364. Otherwise, leave them alone unless a trusted watchmaker suggests it's necessary.
Cordially,
Art
To find two original Ω chronomètres within such a short period of time is practically an act of Providence. The ref 2367 is nothing short of spectacular; I've only seen one other steel reference with a rose gold bezel. They're extremely rare and highly desirable.
Servicing one of these movements is cause for extreme caution. If it's running reasonably well, leave well enough alone. Damaging the balance is practically an irreparable act . . . it's simply not worth the risk. Critical spare parts are exceedingly scarce. Normally, I wouldn't recommend sending a watch to Omega, but if you don't already have a trusted watchmaker, then this would be the one instance where I'd at least consider the option, if only because they may still have spare parts readily available in inventory. (Note that I wrote 'may'; I don't know that to be the case.)
These rg movements are capable performers.
Try to source original crowns, or reasonable facsimiles, especially for the 2364. Otherwise, leave them alone unless a trusted watchmaker suggests it's necessary.
Cordially,
Art
Extract and thanks
Dear Sirs
Thank you very much for your
comments and suggestions. They are really appreciated.
I splashed out on an extract from the
Omega archive, which seems confirms Franco’s theses, that the two-tone versions
were often sent to the Argentinian market.
Franco’s wonderfull write-up on
Omega Chronemetre’s has really been great help. Thank you Franco !
@Kev.
What a nice steel Omega. I’m very
much drawn to the early art deco type designs. Still very fresh in their
expression.
@Art. Really appreciate your comments,
caution and time spent.
I didn’t realize that the two-tone
2367’ are particularly rare, but my sense
of landing a good catch is of course heighten.
I do appreciate your thoughts on perhaps
sending the watch “home” for a restoration of the movement
and will keep them in mind. I
understand they do great, all be it pricy work.
Yours
Jacob/Copenhagen
(formerly “Arkona44”)
Hey, I remember your gorgeous black Connie . . .
. . . with the most delicious patina ever! That was more than a few years back, if memory serves correct.
Welcome back, Jacob.
Cordially,
Art
Welcome back, Jacob.
Cordially,
Art
. . . and regarding pricing relative to standard issue Omegas . . .
. . . and comparable contemporary Pateks, I don't know offhand, but will ask Bill the next time I speak with him - hopefully this weekend.
Art
Art
the 30t2 chronometre was a cheaper but more interesting watch than the calatrava even back then
Hi Jacob
Congrats on your two 30T2 chronometers. They are not easy to find watches especially in original and good condition. The 30t2 chronometres had for rivals the zenith 135 and the rolex oyster observatory chronometers. Any overhauled 30t2 chronometre is capable of fantastic accuracy almost like master coaxial accuracy. The 30t2 broke several records of precisions back then during almost 40 years. Well maintained, it is a very reliable and accurate movement. Omega even back then wasn't in the same league than Patek but as it was the case today, it was an innovator and one of the biggest movement certified chronometer manufacturers alongwith Rolex.
Best regards
Georges
Congrats on your two 30T2 chronometers. They are not easy to find watches especially in original and good condition. The 30t2 chronometres had for rivals the zenith 135 and the rolex oyster observatory chronometers. Any overhauled 30t2 chronometre is capable of fantastic accuracy almost like master coaxial accuracy. The 30t2 broke several records of precisions back then during almost 40 years. Well maintained, it is a very reliable and accurate movement. Omega even back then wasn't in the same league than Patek but as it was the case today, it was an innovator and one of the biggest movement certified chronometer manufacturers alongwith Rolex.
Best regards
Georges
Appetite is growing
Hi Georges
Thanks for the background info. I'm becoming more and more intrigued by the Chronometre history, and have ordered Fritz von Osterhausen's Wristwatch Chronometers.
Looking forward to some great hours of history lessons !
Yours
Jacob / Copenhagen
Thanks for the background info. I'm becoming more and more intrigued by the Chronometre history, and have ordered Fritz von Osterhausen's Wristwatch Chronometers.
Looking forward to some great hours of history lessons !
Yours
Jacob / Copenhagen
the Omega Saga book is a must have for any collector
It would have helped you to understand how much Omega focused on extreme accuracy since the calibre 19 in the DDR or very best grade in the 1900's. Three of the most famous Omega chronometry watchmakers were Alfred Jacquard, Rene Ory and André Brielmann. They were the ones who helped Omega to win numerous prizes with the 30t2 during almost 4 decades. Omega in the chronometric competitions was always behind Zenith. Zenith has won 1565 first prizes in chronometry whereas Omega has won 765 first prizes, Rolex was way way behind them. Even the first centenary bumper automatic movements had especially good results mentions on their chronometer certificates in the late 40's!!!
Well, we now have an answer to the burning question . . .
. . . as to the cost of a 14 kt ref 2364 back in the day.
This photo was relayed by my pal West Coast Bill (not to be confused with Bill Sohne, who's an East Coast kinda guy!). West Coast Bill specializes in bumper Ω chronometers, and has a collection as deep as it is narrow.
If 14 kt 2364s were $350, 18 kt versions would've been north of $400.
Art
This photo was relayed by my pal West Coast Bill (not to be confused with Bill Sohne, who's an East Coast kinda guy!). West Coast Bill specializes in bumper Ω chronometers, and has a collection as deep as it is narrow.
If 14 kt 2364s were $350, 18 kt versions would've been north of $400.
Art
What about inflation!
...and according to the inflation calculator this is would be something like $4700 and $5500 today.
The most similar current Omega, the DeVille Trésor, has a list of over $10K . . .
. . . so there are other factors to account for as well. I can remember when one US dollar was worth four Swiss francs . . . now, they're essentially even.
On the flip side of the coin, there's probably less labor priced in today, but also more in the way of secondary costs - marketing, distribution, ambassadors . . .
On the flip side of the coin, there's probably less labor priced in today, but also more in the way of secondary costs - marketing, distribution, ambassadors
. . .