15
Omega
Ref. CK988
An extremely rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, telemeter and tachometer scales, retailed by “Rud. Niklaus Berne”.
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000
CHF45,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Omega
- Year
- 1938
- Reference No
- CK988
- Movement No
- 9'382'364
- Case No
- 9'554'580
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 33.3, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel buckle
- Dimensions
- 37.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of production for the present watch on April 5, 1938 and delivery to Switzerland. Furthermore, the dial is confirmed bearing the retailer name ‘Rud. Niklaus, Berne’.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The first generation of reference CK 988, recognizable by its wide cylindrical bezel, olive shaped start stop pusher at 2 o’clock and reset pusher set within the crown is considered to be one of the most beautiful chronograph designs ever made by any watch manufacturer. Its large case diameter measures 37.5mm, and houses the lovely mono-pusher caliber 33.3 CHRO movement.
The black dial features a silver printed telemeter scale along the outer rim of the dial, as well as a snail-shaped tachometer ring circling along the center. In addition to Omega’s signature on the dial, this chronograph also bears the retailer name ‘Rud. Niklaus Berne’, heightening the exclusivity of the piece. When a well-established brand pairs with a retailer to sign the dial of a watch it not only adds to the aesthetics, but also makes the timepiece far more rare. Little is known about Rud. Niklaus Berne, but a variety of examples that can be dated to the first half of the 20th century including watches and clocks by Omega and Zenith are known today.
The present example is in excellent overall condition, and retains superb proportions and crisp edges. Combining aesthetics, practicality, and craftsmanship, this versatile and highly collectible watch can be worn for both sporting and formal events.
The black dial features a silver printed telemeter scale along the outer rim of the dial, as well as a snail-shaped tachometer ring circling along the center. In addition to Omega’s signature on the dial, this chronograph also bears the retailer name ‘Rud. Niklaus Berne’, heightening the exclusivity of the piece. When a well-established brand pairs with a retailer to sign the dial of a watch it not only adds to the aesthetics, but also makes the timepiece far more rare. Little is known about Rud. Niklaus Berne, but a variety of examples that can be dated to the first half of the 20th century including watches and clocks by Omega and Zenith are known today.
The present example is in excellent overall condition, and retains superb proportions and crisp edges. Combining aesthetics, practicality, and craftsmanship, this versatile and highly collectible watch can be worn for both sporting and formal events.
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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