This Omega takes us back to the formative years of the automatic wristwatch, when self-winding technology was still developing and the familiar full-rotor system had yet to become the industry norm.

Omega introduced its first automatic wristwatches in the early 1940s, using what collectors now commonly call a "bumper movement". Rather than making a complete rotation, the oscillating weight travels through a limited arc before meeting sprung buffers at either end. The gentle movement of the weight can often be felt on the wrist, giving these early automatics a mechanical character quite unlike their modern descendants.

Dating from around 1948, this example comes from a particularly interesting moment in Omega's history. Its restrained case proportions and subsidiary seconds retain the look of a traditional 1940s wristwatch, while the automatic movement inside points towards the direction watchmaking would increasingly take during the following decade.

What’s On Offer

Here we have a fantastic early Omega Automatic, reference CK 2402, dating from circa 1948.

The stainless-steel case measures approximately 33mm across and 40mm from top to bottom, with an attractive stepped profile and gently curved lugs. These are authentic 1940s proportions, but the relatively long lug-to-lug measurement helps give the watch a little more presence on the wrist.

The dial is where much of this watch's vintage character lies. What would originally have been a much lighter surface has developed a warm cream tone, with extensive age-related patina and subtle crazing across the finish. It is visibly an old dial and, rather wonderfully, looks like one.

12 o’clock is marked with a singular Art Deco-style gilt Arabic numeral, with gold dots at 3 and 9, and spearheads marking the hours between. At 6 o'clock is a recessed subsidiary seconds dial, giving the watch the balanced appearance common with watches of this era. Golden leaf hands and a subtle railway-style minute track around the outer edge complete the dial.

Inside is the Omega Calibre 342, a 17-jewel automatic bumper movement with an approximate power reserve of 42 hours.

The watch is fitted to a brown leather strap with an adjustable fit. There is no original box or paperwork.

NB: We have tested this watch on our timegraph, and it reads that it is running reasonably well. However, its service history is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a consignor who has asked us to help sell an entire collection, it is offered for sale as seen. Our consignors do not service each watch before they’re sold, so we have priced them to reflect this, and they come without a warranty. However, servicing can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. If so, please contact us to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.