Omega Deco Style Tank Wristwatch Caliber 20F in Stainless Steel Case with Sunrise Dial Circa 1934
Product Code: AWCOM84832
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This Watch
We have here a classic Omega Deco style wristwatch, circa 1934. The off-white/silvered dial has age and patina but does not detract from its character. The dial design is very much taken from the Art Deco period, with bold lines and a central circle tracking. One of the earliest Omega pieces we have in stock, this watch is a real piece of omega history. The watch houses one of the first Omega rectangular calibers, named 20F, and is an impressive movement to view. A bar type caliber with separate bridges for the winding work and train wheels. This 20F cal does have similarities to some IWC, Patek and Longines constructions of the period. Solid Staybrite steel rectangular case, Staybrite DDQ was less corrosion resistant compared to 18/8 stainless steel due to the lower chromium content, but 18/8 stainless steel couldn't be formed into watch cases by drawing so Staybrite DDQ was widely used for Swiss watches until the 1960s and 1970s when new stainless steel alloys, still closely based on the original composition of Staybrite DDQ, were developed. Today the brand name Staybrite belongs to F.W.Hempel & Co. and is registered and protected in numerous countries.
We've paired this watch on a brown, lizard grain strap, which we think is in keeping with the 1930s style, but straps can be easily changed. The watch has been fully serviced in our onsite workshop and comes with our standard 12 month service cover.
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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. 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.
For a watch of this age, we would recommended that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. They do not have dust proofing, shock absorption and are easily magnetised. Please do try and keep the watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc.
What we think
A comfortable fit on the wrist, a 1930s Deco wristwatch is perfect for him or her and a must have in any collection especially from the Art Deco period lover. The watch takes notes from The JLC Reverso models along with the Cartier Tank range.
Spec Stuff
Age : 1931/1940
Specific Age : Circa 1934
Case Size : 22mm
Case Thickness :
Lug to Lug : 40mm
Lugs : 17mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty