A wonderfully honest 1943 Omega supplied during WWII for British Civil Service use in India, carrying the familiar CS/I designation (Inside caseback) seen on period government-issue watches. It’s a beautifully understated, mid-size steel piece with a crisp, highly legible full Arabic dial, a neat sub-seconds at 6, and that unmistakable wartime Omega “tool watch” feel.
The dial layout is exactly what you want for the era: big Arabic numerals, a clear minute track, and blued/oxidised steel hands that still read brilliantly. The case has the gentle, practical curves Omega used so well in the early-1940s—simple, strong, and made to be worn every day, not kept in a drawer.
Inside is Omega’s proven 26.5 T3 manual-wind movement (a key part of Omega’s wartime reputation), known for robustness and ease of servicing—one of the reasons these were suitable for issue use in demanding conditions.
Extra Points
Civil Service India (CS/I) WW2 context: these watches are associated with government service during a period when British administration in India was heavily focused on wartime logistics, procurement, transport, communications, and the day-to-day machinery of state needed to support the wider war effort. It’s a genuinely interesting “paperwork-to-frontline” type of wartime history, where reliable timekeeping mattered for travel, supply chains, scheduling, and coordination.
Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space.
For a watch of this age, we would recommend that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. They do not have dust proofing, shock absorption and are easily magnetised. Please do try and keep the watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc.
This watch has been fully serviced in our on-site workshop and comes with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
Strap choice that suits the story: we’ve fitted a 16mm military-style canvas strap by our friends at Haveston Straps—it’s a perfect match for the watch’s wartime personality, and if you’d like to pick up another, their site is well worth a look HERE!
What we think
This is the sort of watch that quietly wins people over. It isn’t about flash—it's about authenticity, history, and usability. The Civil Service India connection gives it proper WWII context, and the proportions make it incredibly wearable today (especially if you like the more correct, vintage sizing rather than modern overscaled cases).
We also love that it’s a “real wearer” wartime Omega: clear dial, dependable manual movement, and a case that looks like it has lived a life—without losing its charm. If you’re building a vintage collection and want something with genuine period relevance (not a modern re-issue trying to look old), this one has the right feel.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 987****
Movement :Omega manual-wind Cal. 26.5 T3 Age :1941/1950 Specific Age : 1943 Case Size :31.5mm Case Thickness : 9.5mm Lug to Lug : 38.5mm Lugs : 16mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1943 Omega “Civil Service India” WW2 Mid-Size Steel Watch – Original Arabic Dial, Sub-Seconds, Cal. 26.5 T3 (CS/I Issue)
