We have here a very exciting Omega wristwatch. A large, almost 38mm timepiece, this is a big watch for its age! Considering its size, it doesn't feel like a bulky watch to wear. The snap-back case is made from Staybrite, a steel alloy containing 0.2% carbon, 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is a stainless material that takes a fine polish and was therefore often used for making watch cases. It is probably the type of stainless steel that has been most widely used by watch companies.
Inside the case we have the biggest movement made by Omega, the mechanical manual wind caliber 26.3 with 15 jewels, fully serviced by us and running strongly.
The dial has been fully restored, but we don't think this detracts from the beauty and excitement of the watch. Sometimes, for whatever reason, dials will need restoration. This does not mean we disregard them or hide them away. It is still the original dial. We love the mix of almost rose-coloured gilt arrowhead markers and Arabic numerals. The large subsidiary seconds dial gives a stunning symmetry to the watch and the blue steel hands make for an elegant and easy read.
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. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
We love this watch and are proud to have revived such a stunning piece of design, making it available for the next generation. We like to be as transparent as possible with what our watches have gone through, and we are happy to present quality craftsmanship that means these timepieces get many more years of use. It is an elegant timepiece that, despite its large size, looks great on both men and women. The perfect watch for the vintage watch newbie or anyone with a love for old Omegas!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 899****
Reference/Case Back Number : 9732664
Movement : Cal. 26.3, 15J Age :1931/1940 Specific Age :1938 Case Size : 37.7mm Case Thickness : 9mm Lug to Lug : 44mm Lugs : 20mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1938 Omega Large Jumbo 38mm in Stainless Steel Case with Sub Seconds Fully Restored
