SPECIFICATIONS
Exceptional Omega chronograph with patented enamel dial, solid 18Kt yellow gold case, and in-house 18″ CHRO movement, from the 1930s.
45mm 18Ktyellow gold case
Multicolor enamel dial
Hinged case back
Original crown
Omega 18″ CHRO chronograph movement inside
ANALYSIS
This exceptional Omega watch marks the beginning of the pioneering adventure that led to the development of wrist chronographs between the late 1920s and early 1930s.
This splendid watch features a museum-quality enamel dial with Breguet-style Arabic hour markers. The entire perimeter of the dial is occupied by a five-spiral tachymeter scale in different colors. The same five colors are also used on the chronograph minute subdial, allowing for an immediate view of speeds. This multi-color sector dial was patented in France in 1902. The inscription at 6 o’clock, “Cadran Breveté S.G.D.G,” refers to that patent.
The acronym “S.G.D.G.” Literally translated into French as “Breveté Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement,” the French and Belgian governments exempted themselves from liability for guaranteeing the functionality of the invention. Omega’s signature and logo are at 12 o’clock, while the Breguet-style hands, matching the hour markers, are traditionally tempered in blue.
The large, solid 18K yellow gold case is three-piece and features tilting lugs and the chronograph mechanism’s start, stop, and reset button at 6 o’clock on the case middle. The beautiful oversized “flattened onion” crown stands out on the back side.
Beneath the hinged caseback, which is obviously signed by Omega on the inside, lies the masterpiece: the in-house 18″ CHRO chronograph caliber. An exceptional machine, it represents a fundamental chapter in the history of watchmaking. It is, in fact, the first cornograph in history to be mass-produced: it has a horizontal mechanism and a column wheel; it has a lever escapement; it has 15 jewels and a Breguet balance spring; and it beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour.
A truly exceptional watch for its rarity, condition, and historical and technical features. A true romantic fairytale to wear on your wrist.
