What's on Offer

We are delighted to offer this particularly handsome Omega automatic dress watch, dating from approximately 1944–1947 and combining an 18k gold case with Omega's 17-jewel Calibre 28.10 RA bumper automatic movement.

Measuring 32.5mm across, the solid gold case is beautifully proportioned, with a slim bezel allowing the dial to occupy much of the available space. Particularly attractive are the long, finely shaped lugs, which sweep gently away from the case and give the watch an elegant profile when viewed from the side. At 39.5mm lug-to-lug, they also lend the watch greater presence than its period-correct case diameter might initially suggest.

The gold crown is Omega signed, a lovely detail that complements the case and reinforces the quality of the overall presentation.

The light gold dial is arguably the star of the watch. Its distinctive outlined Arabic numerals display a strong Art Deco influence, with unusually geometric forms that give the dial considerable individuality. Look particularly closely at 2 and 10 and you'll find one of its most charming details: the zero is underlined, an unusual typographical flourish that immediately distinguishes the dial.

A finely printed outer minute track surrounds the display, while the Omega name and Automatic designation are positioned neatly beneath 12 o'clock. The time is indicated by a pair of slim, gold leaf-style hands, beautifully suited to the restrained elegance of the watch.

At 6 o'clock sits a recessed subsidiary seconds dial, complete with its own finely graduated track and contrasting dark seconds hand. Its placement provides excellent balance to the dial and is another quintessentially 1940s detail.

The dial itself has developed gentle spotting, marks and tonal variation over the decades. Rather than detracting from the watch, these signs of age give it the character expected of an original vintage example approaching 80 years old.

Inside is Omega's Calibre 28.10 RA, a 17-jewel mechanical automatic movement employing the early bumper winding system. Instead of completing a full rotation, its oscillating weight moves backwards and forwards through a limited arc, meeting sprung buffers at either end. It represents a fascinating stage in the development of the automatic wristwatch before full-rotor winding systems became the industry norm.

The supplied movement number is 10518250, with the case information also recording case maker 115 and patent number 10705050.

Finished with a dark leather strap with blue stitching, this is a wonderfully characterful early automatic Omega, bringing together a solid 18k gold case, unusual Art Deco-influenced dial and an important example of the company's early bumper movement technology.

NB: This watch is offered for sale as seen, as its service history is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a watch collector's family who has asked us to help sell an entire collection. As there are quite a few watches to dispose of, the clients do not wish to spend unnecessary money on servicing each watch before it's sold, so we have priced the watches to reflect being sold unserviced and without a warranty, but it can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. Once you have made the purchase, please add a note when placing it in your basket, and we will contact you to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.