This Watch

Here we have the earlier sister watch to the new old stock Omega Genève listed Previously HERE : a very similar solid 9ct gold Omega Genève, but this time an earlier example fitted with Omega’s calibre 600 manual-wind movement.

This one is not quite new old stock, but it is very close in spirit. It looks to have had only a handful of careful wears in its life and has survived in exceptionally sharp, honest condition. The case has that crisp, unpolished look we always like to see, with clean straight lugs, a slim polished gold bezel and a beautifully simple round dress-watch profile. It is essentially the same style and size as the later calibre 601 model, but with a slightly softer, earlier feel.

The dial is the main visual difference. Rather than the warmer champagne tone of the later watch, this example has a more off-white, lightly satin-finished dial that gives the whole piece a cooler and slightly more restrained look. The dial has a fine vertical grain, applied Omega logo, printed Genève script and slim baton hour markers with dark central accents. The long, elegant hands and fine outer minute track keep everything beautifully balanced. It is simple, clean and properly classic without feeling plain.

Inside is Omega’s calibre 600 manual-wind movement, one of those excellent in-house Omega calibres that helped make these slim Genève models such good everyday dress watches. It is traditional, reliable and exactly the sort of movement that appeals to people who want a proper vintage Omega without unnecessary complication.

The watch still has its original Omega leather strap and Omega buckle, which is a lovely feature and a big part of the charm. As with most old leather, we would generally advise treating the original strap as part of the watch’s history rather than something for daily wear. Old leather can dry and become brittle over time, even when it has barely been used. We can supply a choice of new leather strap for practical use, ideally fitted with the original Omega buckle, allowing the next owner to wear the watch while preserving the original strap safely.

Although this watch has clearly seen very little wear, it has still been fully serviced by our workshop. A mechanical watch that has sat for decades should not simply be worn without attention, as old oils can dry, thicken or disappear. This one has been properly serviced so it is ready to be used and enjoyed.

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.