Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1947 Reference No: CK 987 Movement No: 10’388’482 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 33.3 CHRO, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of production of the present watch on February 5, 1947 and delivery to the United States
Catalogue Essay
Due to their wonderfully diverse dial designs, vintage Omega chronograph wristwatches from the early half of the 20th century are amongst the most charismatic and sought after for enthusiasts. Manufactured in the 1940s, the present, large reference CK 987 exemplifies the design know-how Omega is well known for.
Measuring a masculine 37.5 mm in diameter, the large case houses the robust Omega caliber 33.3 chronograph movement. The “tropical” black dial has aged to an appealing deep shade of espresso, and is harmoniously enhanced by the beige printed tachometer scale. The case remains in excellent, strong condition, retaining the crisp edges and sensuous curves as it left Omega’s factory nearly seven decades ago. It is remarkable how such a classic and minimalistic design can deliver so much in terms of appeal and functionality.
Combining aesthetics, practicality, and craftsmanship, this versatile and highly collectible watch can be easily used for everyday use.
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.