We have here a very special watch. The Omega 'Teddington' Red Star, produced only for the Brazilian market.
The name 'Teddington' corresponds to the prize won by Omega at the Teddington Observatory. The chronometer certificate prize was a badge of honour for those lucky clock and watchmakers who received it. The observatory was originally built in 1769 in Kew for King George III. It was relocated to Teddington in 1912, and it was here, in 1936 that Omega set an all-time record for an observatory watch with their pocket watch caliber 47.7, which was regulated by Alfred Jaccard and scored an incredible 97.8/100. Omega again broke the record in 1943 with the 30T2RG movement (as found in our Rare Omega Chronometer from 1944) and it is the 30T2 movement that is inside these Red Star watches.
The Red Star emblem on Omega dials were solely for the Brazilian market. Because of the humidity of Brazil, it is very rare to find a Red Star watch with its original dial, so we were very excited when we saw this one! Untouched and with a nice, even patina, there is no doubt about the originality of this watch. We love the smokey colour of the dial contrasted with the stunning raised Roman numerals. The subsidiary seconds dial sits at 6 o'clock and the watch has elegant, straight hour and minute hands that complete the watch. Seeming to have some form of military connection in style and function but not confirmed. Brazil also Joined the Allied war effort during ww2 so these Teddington watches could have been used!
The 33.mm, stainless steel unpolished, clip-on case is a comfortable wear. Inside is Omega's famous mechanical manual wind 30T2 caliber, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a brown lizard grain strap, but it can wear anything!
VIEW A QUICK PRODUCT VIDEO OF A SIMILAR WATCH HERE!
Extra Points
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.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
A unique find and about as good a vintage, pre owned Omega as you will find. We love the fact that it looks like an old watch! The perfect watch for him, her, the vintage watch newbie or seasoned collector. If you're looking for an affordable, attractive and reliable vintage watch, you'd be pushed to find a better example and one you are not likely to see many others of. A fascinating piece of Omega history and with the added bonus of a stunning and rare dial! likely one of the first "Teddington" models.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 970####
Reference : 'Teddington' CK2099
Movement : Mechanical Manual Wind Cal 30T2sc, 18Jewels Age :1931/1940 Specific Age : 1939 Case Size : 33.mm Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1939 Rare Omega Brazilian market CK2099 'Teddington' Red Star with raised roman numerals 30T2 PC
