Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

This Omega ‘Red-Star’ dial design is found on watches housing the Omega Calibre 30-T2, or variants of it, after it became the most precise movement ever recorded at Kew Observatory in 1940 a few years before this watch was assembled. This watch houses the 30-T2 PC movement, a later model of the revered 30-T2 which has the addition of Incabloc shock protection and a Brequet overcoil hairspring. These watches became very popular in Brazil where the humidity and high UV intensity make the likelihood of ever seeing a good original very small. As we can see in the highly magnified photographs the dial restorer has done a marvellous job and, in this case, we couldn’t be happier with his work.

This silver-white dial features painted yellow gilt Arabic numerals to mark the hours alongside a dotted outer minute track. The subsidiary seconds dial is large which was typical for the period. Completing the ensemble is a classic set of yellow gilt dauphine hands, with a simple black small seconds hand. The dial is simply signed ‘Omega’ with the famous red star below, and ‘Swiss-Made’ can just be made out below ‘6’.

The Case

This stainless-steel Omega signed Swiss-made case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the original Omega signed crown. The lugs are smartly tapered into the rounded case and are slightly swept back to suit the shape of the wrist. The case is of three-piece construction so both the bezel and case-back are removable with a case-knife to access the naked dial and movement, respectively. The case-back comes off and on with a reassuring pop indicating a tight fit meaning the case hasn’t bent or warped. At 35mm this is a very large watch for the 1940s, a time when a 33mm case diameter was the standard. The 2mm difference is like night and day on the wrist to todays eye, which is likely to be accustomed to todays much larger case sizes. This watch’s large case combined with it’s Red-Star heritage make this a very highly sought-after watch indeed. This case is of three-piece construction, both the bezel and case-back can be removed with a case-knife to reveal the naked dial and movement, respectively. The case-back comes off with a reassuring pop, a sign that the case hasn’t warped or bent due to mistreatment.

Inscribed on the inside of the case-back we find the Omega Watch Co triangle, followed by ‘Swiss-Made’, ‘Stainless-Steel’ as well as the Omega case reference number 2800-1 P.

The Movement

As has already been explained, this watch houses a very special movement indeed. The Omega Calibre 30-T2 PC is considered to be one of Omega’s finest ever movements. In 1940 at Kew Observatory, Omega won first prize with the Cal.30-T2 which demonstrated record breaking precision. It earnt Omega the right to stamp their watches housing the Cal.30-T2 with the red-star we see here on the dial. This particular movement is the 30-T2 PC movement, a later model of the revered 30-T2 which has the addition of Incabloc shock protection and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. It has been recently serviced and runs excellently. The seconds hand sweeps across the sub-dial confidently, without missing a beat.

In the 1940s and ‘50s Omega really were on the top of their game. They had an astounding market dominance, rivalled only by Rolex’s current monopoly, because of their steady and consistent series of innovations over the two decades. The red star you see on this dial is a symbol of this historic period for Omega.

This movement is signed ‘Omega, Swiss, 15 Jewels’, with the calibre number 30-2T PC inscribed below the balance wheel and the movement serial number 10743738 inscribed on the bridge dates this watch to 1946.

Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a high quality padded brown calf leather strap, along with a stainless-steel Omega buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit an 18mm strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense. To keep this buckle, the replacement strap must be 16mm wide at the buckle.

Conclusion

I'm a private seller, not a company so unfortunately returns aren't an option, unless of course the watch is broken when it arrives. I may ship 1-2 days after I receive payment, as I work full-time, and may not find time to get the package away immediately.

Feel free to ask any questions.

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