This Watch

Here we have something rather special: a new old stock, totally unused Omega Genève, model reference 131.8412, in a solid 9ct gold case with its original Omega strap, original Omega buckle and original Omega presentation box.

The word “unused” gets thrown around far too easily in the vintage watch world, but this one really has that time-capsule feel. It is not simply a clean vintage Omega; it is a watch that has been put away and preserved rather than worn. The case retains that crisp, sharp, fresh look you only really see on watches that have escaped normal daily life. The slim gold case, straight lugs and clean polished bezel give the watch a wonderfully elegant profile, while the champagne-coloured satin dial gives it that warm, understated dress-watch look Omega did so well in this period.

The dial is one of the real highlights. It has a vertical satin grain running through the champagne finish, giving the watch a subtle texture and depth without becoming showy. The applied Omega logo, printed Genève script and fine black minute track keep the whole thing very restrained and balanced. The slim baton hour markers, with darker central inserts, give just enough contrast against the dial, and the simple hand set keeps the watch beautifully clean and easy to wear.

Inside is Omega’s excellent calibre 601 manual-wind movement. This is a proper in-house Omega mechanical movement, hand wound in the traditional way, and exactly the sort of movement that makes these slim Genève models such good value today. Even though the watch is unused, we have fully serviced it in our workshop. A watch that has sat unused for 50-plus years should not simply be wound up and worn without attention; the original oils dry, thicken or disappear, and running an unserviced movement can cause unnecessary wear. This one has therefore been serviced properly so it can be enjoyed, not just admired like a very first owner user.

It is supplied with its original unused Omega leather strap and Omega buckle, which is a lovely thing to still have with the watch. However, as with most genuinely old unused leather straps, we would advise keeping the original strap safely with the box rather than wearing it. Old leather can dry out over decades and may crack, split or fail in use. We will supply a choice of new leather strap for the new owner, ideally fitted with the original Omega buckle, allowing the watch to be worn while preserving the original strap as part of the complete set. 

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.