Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1960 Reference No: CK2914 Movement No: 17'527'136 Case No: 17'527'136 Model Name: Seamaster "Railmaster" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 285, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1960 and its subsequent delivery to the Pakistani Air Force
Catalogue Essay
For collectors, the most coveted versions of the famous Omega Seamaster are those produced for and issued to military personnel. The present example is exceptionally rare, having been commissioned by the Pakistani Air Force. Designed to the specification of the Pakistani Ministry of Defense, Omega combined elements of two of its iconic models – the Railmaster and Seamaster. The case and movement are from the Railmaster, whereas the dial and caseback are of the Seamaster product line.
The case back of the present lot is further engraved “P.A.F.” – the acronym for the Pakistani Air Force, along with the movement number. Furthermore, the movement is also stamped “P.A.F”, and bears the correct matching number as found on the caseback. Enhancing its desirability is the fact that this variant of reference 2914 was only produced in approximately 200 examples. The present watch is in a very good overall condition with signs of military use, but fortunately seems to have never been polished. Even the crystal is original with the minuscule Omega logo found at its center. For enthusiasts of military issued watches, this Omega is a rare treasure certain to delight and excite.
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.