A Beautiful Jumbo Omega Solid 18k Gold Wristwatch In Exquisite Condition, Dated to The 1950s, Caliber 283. 

Omega watches began in a small workshop established by Louis Brandt in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland in 1848 - La Chaux-de-Fonds is synonymous with horology. By the early 1900s, Omega was producing some 100,000 watches a year, which made it one of the biggest watch manufacturers in the world. Its past, its timepieces, and its activities alongside watch production have made Omega one of the most significant and iconic names in the measurement of time. 

What’s On Offer 

Rather rare, and rather lovely, this example is one of only around five of these watches that have surfaced over the years with close serial numbers, all marked 'Chronometre' on the dial and all with Dennison cases. The Calibre 283 is not a known 'Chronometre' movement so the question is why are the dials marked as such? 

The Cal 283 was used in Omega MoD watches including the "Fat Arrow" and wasn't outfitted as a 'Chronometre' movement - the MoD didn't run to that kind of spending. However, the order placed with Omega did specify special regulations so it is likely that the movement was an especially good one of its type. It, of course, could be that Omega matched up parts and neglected to remove the 'Chronometre' signature from the dial. 

An extract of the archives has been requested from Omega regarding this anomaly, however, it was a fruitless venture and ultimately it was concluded that documentation was unobtainable. So! The question regarding a handful of calibre 283s being chronometre graded when they left the factory remains. Still, it's a beautiful watch and is running very well, and, keeping excellent time, thanks to a recent service from our master watchmaker, so one to buy and do further research on the chronometer shenanigans to establish how rare the watch actually is!