Omega - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: 2990-1
    Movement No: 16'364'114
    Model Name: Ranchero
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 267, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle signed Omega
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1958 and its subsequent delivery in Italy.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Ranchero model, launched in 1958, was inspired by three other famed Omega wristwatches - the Railmaster, the Seamaster, and the Speedmaster. Featuring the coveted "broad arrow" hands found on the early examples of these famous models, some 60 years later, this Ranchero is every bit Omega in its styling. The brand offered the watch as an entry-level model to attract a younger clientele, however it was not widely accepted in the marketplace and the firm soon discontinued its production. One theory explaining its quick demise is that the word “ranchero” in Spanish means, “ranch hand” and carried a somewhat negative connotation to prospective buyers.
    Today, the Ranchero is a very rare and coveted wristwatch. The 36 mm diameter case looks larger due to the long, outstretched lugs and wide-open dial. The ‘30mm’ printed on the dial refers to the diameter of the caliber 267 found within. In extremely well preserved condition, and featuring a dial that has aged with grace and sophistication, the present lot will surely please the collector of rare and unusual timepieces.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    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.

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172

Ref. 2990-1
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black dial and subsidiary seconds

1958
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,700-5,500
$4,100-6,200

Sold for CHF7,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016