Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1939 Reference No: CK2039 Movement No: 8'896'662 Case No: 9'434'970 Material: 14K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 37.6S, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 44mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract form the Archives confirming production of the present model in 1939 and its subsequent delivery to Poland
Catalogue Essay
The present lot is a remarkable, oversized Omega reference CK 2039. Introduced in 1938, this model measures a massive 44mm in diameter which was absolutely gargantuan for the era: at the time gentleman’s dress watches usually measured between 31 and 35 mm in diameter, with 37 already considered oversize. The movement used is a robust pocket watch caliber 37.6S, most often used in early military or aviator watches
The present watch, made in 1939, is one of the very first models produced and was delivered to Poland, which seems to be the destination of many such watches (such as the one sold in this tent in November 2016).
It is extremely rare to see a CK 2039 appear at auction even less in yellow gold as only a handful are known.
The present lot is fresh to the market and in absolutely honest, unrestored, fully original condition. It will without a doubt appeal to the connoisseur due to its rarity, contemporary dimensions, lovely gilt finished caliber and the elegantly patinated champagne dial.
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.