***NOW SOLD***

Nicknamed 'the hummer', the f300hz movement was developed by ESA, an update by Max Hetzel, of the original Bulova tuning fork. ESA supplied these to many companies inc; Longines, IWC, Baume & Mercier, Tissot, Omega, etc… 

Omega was their largest customer by far, all Omega movements have a gilt finish compared to the Geneve stripes of the other marques. The Omega f300 chronometers were tested to mechanical movement standards and passed with flying colours. These watches differed from your run-of-the-mill quartz watches - the tuning fork means that the second's hand sweeps in a smooth continuous arc around the dial and it emits an audible hum as it powers the watch, hence its nickname. According to many experts, they were some of the best movements ever made, which gives them intrinsic and horological value, ensuring their future collectibility.

By the end of the 1970s however, tuning fork watches were no longer produced, and were replaced by quartz movements, which were cheaper to produce. During the 17 years or so, tuning forks were in production, they were the most accurate production timepieces available and they remain an important step in horological history.

What’s On Offer

A cool piece of 1970s Omega history here in the shape of this retro Electronic F300hz Chronometer with a striking two-tone blue and textured dial. The central deep blue stripe comprises the framed French day/date aperture and offers a really nice symmetry across the dial. The dished silver rehaut-bezel with minute markers is in good shape and really helps the dial pop on this watch, and looks well with the chunky, beveled baton hour markers with brilliant white inserts, then there are also tritium lume dots at the inner tip of each hour marker to aid visibility in the dark.

The dial is completed by sporty white stick hands, with lume inserts and a central seconds needle hand in white, along with the applied white metal Omega emblem in a punchy red frame. The dial is encapsulated underneath signed (plexi) crystal and enveloped in a stainless steel curvy, cushion case with a signed Omega crown, all are in very good shape with minute signs of general wear, but the case still retains its brushed sunburst finish to the top, suggesting the watch has never been polished.

This watch has a really three-dimensional aesthetic with its dished dial, the classic navy, and white colourway is timeless, and the substantial proportions make it a really nice everyday wearer as well as seamlessly transitioning to a more formal occasion. 

And, of course, there is the soothing hum that is synonymous with the tuning fork movement. A stylish watch with bags of retro charm, you won't go far wrong with this one, a lot of bang for your buck! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Blue

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Black Rubber/textile with Blue Stitching - Pin Buckle

Technical specification

Winding: n/a

Movement Type: Tuning Fork

Caliber: 1260 ESA (Bulova) 9164 34Y2 

Jewels: 12

Waterproof: n/a

Power reserve: n/a

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: 198.020

Date of issue: c.1970s

Warranty: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 40mm

Lug width: 20mm

Lug height: (lug to lug)43mm

Wrist size: Adjustable