Omega Automatic Chronometer 18ct Cal.1120, 2007

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. 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 ’50s 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 into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission and in 1969, two Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A beautiful 18ct yellow gold Omega with an elegant silver-white starburst dial from 2007. This watch is something amazing, and one that in the future, will become a vintage gold watch. Here, the Calibre 1120, 23 Jewel automatic chronometer movement is a gem and after just a simple polish and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly. This watch is perfect for evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish.

We chose this watch because it reflects our usual vintage Omega stock although it is somewhat newer. This watch is a wonderful example that maintains Omega’s classic styling and we are sure will be a fantastic investment piece.

The Dial

The beautiful unrestored silver-white starburst dial is finished with gold ‘baton’ hour indices and matching original ‘dauphine’ hands. The dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs, however it looks even better face to face in real life. This dial is wonderfully balanced and we feel benefits from the addition of a date window.

Something unique to this watch is the centre section of the dial being slightly sunken from the bezel, which we feel gives the dial a very bold and stylistic look.

The dial carries the Omega brand and signature at ’12’ and is signed ‘Automatic’ and ‘Chronometer’ above ‘6’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which remains unrestored and untouched, being in remarkably good condition and free from any of the fading, pitting or scratches we usually see on a dial. Generally, we restore the dials of a watches we offer here, but this is the kind of watch many Omega collectors like to acquire in original condition, so we felt it was best to leave it completely alone to retain its originality and charm.

This watch also has the original Quartz glass lens which is in superb condition.

The Movement

The movement fitted is the Cal.1120, 23 Jewel automatic Chronometer movement. This Omega movement runs at 28,800 beats per hour which is much faster than typical high quality Swiss movements, which run at 18,000 beats per hour – hence it is known as a ‘fast-beat’ movement. All other things being equal, the faster a watch movement beats and the balance wheel operates, the more accurate its timekeeping since the movement effectively divides time into smaller increments.

The movement has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the watch to all its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and reassembly using only correct original Omega replacement parts where required. Our watchmaker’s work is amazing and following careful calibration and testing, this watch is now running within +4 seconds per day with a 47-hour power reserve when fully wound. This is truly exceptional for a watch of this age. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega’, ‘23 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 1120 and the serial number 80,153,002 which dates this watch to manufacture in 2007.

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

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold Omega Swiss-made case is of exceedingly high quality with a beautifully styled profile and lugs. All the lines and edges are well defined, indicating the watch has been very well cared for and never overpolished. As can be seen, the Omega brand on the case-back is clear and well defined, also indicating the watch has been lightly used. After close inspection, some light hand-polishing to remove any tarnish was all that was required to bring it back to the wonderful condition you see here.

The watch is complete with its original Omega signed crown. The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the crown. This is an Omega press-fit case and of a very robust design which makes this watch perfectly appropriate for everyday use, should you so wish.

Inside the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss 18ct Hallmarks and the model reference number 168 1050.

Please note – although specified as waterproof when new and even though all the seals have been replaced, water resistance has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality brown alligator strap has been fitted with a gold-plated Omega buckle, which we feel finishes this 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. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 2007.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale 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”.

This watch also comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown.

In Conclusion

A beautiful example of a top of the range Omega automatic dress watch with a large-sized 18ct yellow gold case. The movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly 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 would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

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

We will also 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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.