Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1938
    Reference No: CK 988
    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: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a copy of Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs book and Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production for the present watch on 5 April 1938 and delivery to Switzerland. Furthermore, the dial is confirmed bearing the retailer name Rud. Niklaus, Berne.
    Provenance: Phillips, Geneva 14 May 2016, Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs, lot 15.
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in the book Omega Sportwatches, John Goldberger, page 24 and 25.

  • Provenance

    Phillips, Geneva 14 May 2016, Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs, lot 15.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch, retailed by Rud. Niklaus in Berne, is a stunning watch fitted with a black lacquer dial and galvanic printed arabic numerals. It is a first generation example, evidenced by the wide cylindrical bezel, and "olive" pusher at 2'o'clock. While it seems that the retailer ceases to be in business today, a number of Omega watches in the early 20th century display the retailer's signature on the dial.

    Most unusual is the case size of 37 millimeters, which was quite large for the period but remains incredibly modern today.

    The case is furthermore preserved in excellent condition with sharp edges and facets.

    This example is fitted with the beloved caliber 33.3, which was originally produced in 1933 by Lemania, with one pusher on top, and the other operated by pushing the crown. It was only later that the movement was modified to enable two separate pushers to start, stop and reset the chronograph function.

    The present watch is furthermore preserved in literature. It is prominently illustrated in the book Omega Sportwatches, John Goldberger, page 24 and 25.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Δ240

Ref. CK 988
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black retailed by Rud. Niklaus Bern

1938
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,300-25,900
$20,700-31,000

Sold for CHF27,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017