Manufacturer: Omega Year: Circa 1939 Reference No: CK 2393 Movement No: 9'384'468 Case No: 9'555'718 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal 33.3, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Omega Sportwatches by John Goldberger, page 80.
Catalogue Essay
The present chronograph display's Omega’s incredible know-how in creating chronograph wristwatches. Housing the iconic 33.3 caliber, this example is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp angled lugs that do not display signs of over polishing. The 37.5 millimeter case is very large for the period, its presence enhanced by the three dimensional angled lugs. It is particularly impressive that Omega had the foresight to create such a "modern" looking watch in the late 1930s.
Most impressive is the rare, glossy black dial, with a multi-scale design that Omega is particularly known for. Such multi-scale designs were often printed on enamel or glossy dials. The scales are printed in different shades, ranging from an intense gold to various tones of copper, giving the watch a lot of charisma and depth. The dial is most notably stamped "Fab. Suisse", which collectors identify as signifying the watch was to be imported in France. This is particularly important and fitting as the dial is also stamped "Télémètre" in French, which is correct. Research furthermore states the present watch was delivered to the French colonies in 1939.
An impressive watch in many ways, the present example is sure to delight the horological and design connoisseur.
Omega'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.