Omega Cal.28.10 RA SC PC Early Bumper Automatic, 18ct Pink Gold 1946

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 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these 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 were the first watches to arrive on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Why This Watch is Important

This watch contains one of Omega’s first series automatic movements, initially produced from 1942 to 1949 as the Cal.28.10 RA SC PC. The movement was developed into the 330 series of movements, including the Cal.332 which powered the first Omega Seamaster in 1947-48 and the Cal.342 in 1949 which remained in production until 1955. This highly successful movement with a power reserve of 42 hours was part of a hugely successful family of Omega’s automatic movements with over 1,300,000 produced – 500,000 of which were Chronometers. This series powered many thousands of the early Omega Seamaster and Constellation watches and much of the modern-day success of the Omega company we know today can rightly be attributed to this movement.

The Dial

The superb two-tone, ivory and silver dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 dial with applied gilt numerals and ‘spearhead’ hour indices, is matched by the original unrestored ‘Leaf’ pink gilt hands, all of which look wonderful against the dial and pink gold case. This dial is typical of the early 1940s, effortlessly classic, elegant and stylish. It is just the kind of style which never goes out of fashion and which many of the largest watch companies are trying to recapture today.

The dial is signed ‘Omega’, with ‘Automatic’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to the very highest standard and remains in wonderful condition.

The Movement

As discussed above, the Omega Cal.28.10 RA SC PC  bumper automatic was one of Omega’s first automatic movements. This was part of the highly successful Calibre 300 series of automatic movements, which became the foundation of Omega’s later collection. This series is directly responsible for Omega’s incredible early success with its Seamaster and Constellation family of watches from the middle of the last century onwards.

Bumper movements use a rotor which automatically winds the watch by gently bouncing backwards and forwards between two bumper springs, caused by the movement of the wearer’s wrist. These watch movements are robust, accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use.

This beryllium bronze movement is in superb condition and is marked ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’ and ’17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 28.10 RA SC PC and the serial number 10619641 which dates the manufacture of the watch to 1946.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and the watch winds, runs and sets smoothly and is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +8 seconds/day! This excellent for any watch of this age and has been verified on our electronic timegrapher instrument. The watch also has an excellent power reserve of 42 hours. We are therefore more than happy to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

Pink gold watches from the 1940s are rare, as far fewer were produced. The case is of obvious high quality and sophistication and is of a three-piece construction with a press-fit case-back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring pop. The case profile and overall design carry a good deal of 1940s/’50s style with beautifully styled lugs.

The watch has been very well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current excellent condition.

The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case, all is as expected and correctly signed and branded ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the case serial number 10538958. It also carries the Omega Geneva Swiss 18ct gold hallmarks and an early Swiss patent mark.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a high quality dark blue lizard strap, with matching pink gold-plated Omega buckle. We think this strap suits the watch very nicely and it goes well with the pink gold case and the dial. 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 can also obtain most types and colours of strap, from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs.

The 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 1946.

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

A vintage Omega presentation box is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful and very rare vintage automatic dress watch with a 18ct pink gold case, from one of Switzerland’s best known and most respected brands. The Omega Calibre 28.10 RA SC PC bumper automatic 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 about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best 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 choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. 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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.

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, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

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

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!

Thank you.