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 it's original dial, so we were very excited when we saw this one! Untouched and with a nice, even patina, there is no doubt to the originality of this watch. Painted, all Arabic numerals sit inside an outer minute tracking ring, with subsidiary seconds are at 6 o'clock.
The 34.5mm, stainless steel, 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 leather strap, but it can wear anything!
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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. 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 real piece of omega history.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1042****
Reference : 2271-5
Movement : Mechanical Manual Wind Cal 30T2, 17 Jewels Age :1941/1950 Specific Age :1944 Case Size : 34.5mm Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1944 Rare Omega 'Teddington' Red Star Wristwatch Model 2271 Cal. 30T2 Brazilian Market WW2
