98 Omega Extremely Well Preserved, Astonishing and Oversize, Chronomètre Wristwatch in Platinum, Diamonds and Emeralds Indexes, Reference 14 163. With Extract from the Archives

Estimate: €150,000 –⁠ 300,000

Model: Chronomètre
Reference: 14.163
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1948
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 30 T2 SC RG
Case N°: 10779528
Movement N°: 10662358
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

The late 1940s to the early 1950s was an interesting era for the world of horology. At the time, Omega experimented with an array of chronometers, realized different variants with an abundance of nuances. This Omega chronometer is an exclusive vintage oversized time only wristwatch making it a superb example for the Omega demanding collectors with a possibly unique dial configuration. Fitted with Omega’s state-of-the-art caliber 30 T2 SC RG chronometer movement, it is housed in an impressively substantial oversized platinum case. The famous caliber 30 mm, Omega’s first movement produced in red gilt, was designed by Henri Kneuss, launched in 1939 and would mark the history of watchmaking for a quarter of a century. The chronometer version of this movement, now called 30 SC T2 RG, beat numerous records at the Neuchâtel, Geneva and Kew Observatory Contests and was considered the most precise wristwatch caliber ever tested. The designation RG standing for “Regulation”, was distinguished by the special index regulation. In addition to having one of Omega’s most iconic movements, the lot offered here has a case entirely made in platinum, well preserved and with the hallmarks still visible. Quite typical for platinum watches from the 1940s, the silvered dials were highlighted by diamond hour markers, a feature also known from the most distinguished Geneva manufacturers. Anyway, the layout of this dial is extremely rare, since it doesn’t offer only diamonds but also a set of two emeralds for the indexes of 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. Almost never seen in public a type of dial like the present one, it is an absolute rarity, one of only 10 examples produced by Omega and an unmissable opportunity for collectors. Moreover, the more common version of caliber 30 T2 RG was that featuring a small seconds at 6 o’clock, the one equipped on this very specimen is that with a center seconds named 30 T2 SC RG. Omega wristwatches featuring this caliber must be counted among the absolute elite of mid-twentieth-century “time only” wristwatches, combining historical and aesthetic appeal and a holy grail when found with such a lavish and rare dial configuration.