98
Omega
Ref. CK 2077
A highly attractive, oversized, and very rare stainless steel multi-scale chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silver dial, and luminous numerals and hands
- Estimate
- $50,000 - 100,000
$81,250
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Omega
- Year
- 1943
- Reference No
- CK 2077
- Movement No
- 9'392'824
- Case No
- 10'123'440
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 33.3 CHRO, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel "beads-of-rice" bracelet
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel
- Dimensions
- 38mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, and movement signed.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch on November 29th, 1943, and its subsequent delivery to South America.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
For many watch enthusiasts, their passion centers on the watch movement with the rest being window dressing. Whatever one’s preference may be, the movement is the literal heart of the watch, and the driving force for precision timekeeping. Many collectors have his or her definitive favorites, for reasons varying from the finishing, complexity, simplicity, or accuracy. Movements are beautiful, and there really is nothing quite like opening a watch to see the mechanism within.
Omega’s manual-winding caliber 33.3 CHRO is an icon amongst collectors. It was launched in 1933, originally as a monopusher chronograph, however by the late 1930s, the brand redesigned it, and used the movement in some of their finest two pusher chronographs. In 1937, the caliber was fitted into Omega’s first water resistant chronograph watch – the reference CK 2077, a model that can be considered a turning point in the firm’s history. The present timepiece is a wonderful, early example of these water-resistant chronographs. Featuring an oversized, 38.5mm diameter case with screw-down caseback, it must be viewed as an early, multi-purpose tool watch with its multi-scale dial and robust, highly water resistant case construction. The hands and numerals are luminous, allowing for legibility in low-light conditions, and the dial features a pulsation, tachymeter, and telemeter track.
The present CK 2077 stands apart due to its exceptional condition in all aspects: case, dial, and movement. The sculpted, downturned lugs are extremely thick, having never been near a polishing wheel, with the original factory finishing present throughout, as crisp as it left the factory some 80 years ago. The dial is absolutely charismatic, with a mirrored hour track contrasting beautifully with the still-vivid red, blue, and black colored scales. On top of it all, the highly oversized (for the time) case allows for these many elements to exist harmoniously on the dial. This chronograph is ideal for the passionate collector who values form and function as equal partners.
Omega’s manual-winding caliber 33.3 CHRO is an icon amongst collectors. It was launched in 1933, originally as a monopusher chronograph, however by the late 1930s, the brand redesigned it, and used the movement in some of their finest two pusher chronographs. In 1937, the caliber was fitted into Omega’s first water resistant chronograph watch – the reference CK 2077, a model that can be considered a turning point in the firm’s history. The present timepiece is a wonderful, early example of these water-resistant chronographs. Featuring an oversized, 38.5mm diameter case with screw-down caseback, it must be viewed as an early, multi-purpose tool watch with its multi-scale dial and robust, highly water resistant case construction. The hands and numerals are luminous, allowing for legibility in low-light conditions, and the dial features a pulsation, tachymeter, and telemeter track.
The present CK 2077 stands apart due to its exceptional condition in all aspects: case, dial, and movement. The sculpted, downturned lugs are extremely thick, having never been near a polishing wheel, with the original factory finishing present throughout, as crisp as it left the factory some 80 years ago. The dial is absolutely charismatic, with a mirrored hour track contrasting beautifully with the still-vivid red, blue, and black colored scales. On top of it all, the highly oversized (for the time) case allows for these many elements to exist harmoniously on the dial. This chronograph is ideal for the passionate collector who values form and function as equal partners.
Literature
Omega
Swiss | 1848Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.
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