Omega Cal.T17 9ct Pink Gold 1941

Omega

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A previously restored Cal.T17 9ct pink gold dress watch with a beautiful rectangular black and grey dial, from 1941. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the stunning dial, quickly followed by the T17, 15 Jewel hand-wound movement which following an overhaul and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly. Omega watches of this period are very highly regarded for their high quality, particularly their movements which are outstanding.

The Dial

The stunning, previously restored black and grey dial looks simply superb. The added addition of the gold Arabic numerals and ‘plume’ hands gives this watch a definitive and very unique appearance. This dial really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is a classic of its time and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use. This wonderful dial also has the addition of a black subsidiary seconds dial at 6.

The dial simply carries the applied gold Omega brand and signature with ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in a tip-top condition.

The Movement

The original high-grade, Calibre T17, 15 Jewel hand-wound movement is remarkable for having a power reserve of 60-hours! This was quite a breakthrough in 1934 when the movement was launched, as it requires a highly efficient powertrain and a long mainspring. This is not difficult in a pocket watch, but in a watch of this size, it was remarkable and quite an achievement.

A 60-hour power reserve means that if one day one forgets to wind the watch, it will run all the way through a second day and halfway through the third before it stops.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ and carries the Calibre number T17 and the serial number 9432034, dating this watch to 1941.

This example is an absolute gem and following its overhaul and service, it is running perfectly and is in absolutely sparkling condition! We are therefore very happy to offer this watch with our 12 months warranty*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 9ct pink gold watch case measures 29mm in length and 19mm in width, excluding the unsigned winding crown, 38mm overall including the lugs, 35mm diagonal across the case and 43mm diagonal including the lugs. The case, as we would expect from Omega, is very solid and well made and the press-fit case-back closes with a very solid and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating the case has been impeccably built and maintained.

This wonderful case design is reminiscent of the earlier Cartier Tank design with lugs that extend from along each side of the case.

Having been cleaned, carefully examined and lightly hand-polished by our case maker, the case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb general condition of the rest of the watch, indicates this watch has received an excellent level of care and only light use.

The inside of the case-back carries all the correct 9ct hallmarks and is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’

Please note – This watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed. Our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new black alligator strap and pink gold-plated Omega buckle has been fitted, which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but we can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1941.

A detailed Particulars document will be included in the sale with a detailed purchase receipt and 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided along with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The watch also comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy and 12 months’ warranty.*

In Conclusion

This is a first-class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most famous names which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! This will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as be a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

If treated with care this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece to use, wear, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095

We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would simply like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

Finally, please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches!

Thank you.