Omega - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 135004-63
    Movement No: 20'476'906
    Case No: 20'476'906
    Model Name: Seamaster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 286, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle signed Omega
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1964 and its subsequent delivery to the Pakistani Air Force

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is a fascinating example of the collaborative efforts between a manufacturer and client - in this case the Pakistan Air Force. This watch uses Omega’s Railmaster case and movement, however it is the Seamaster name that is applied to the dial and engraved on the case back. It is not clear why the Pakistani Air Force would specify this unusual combination, however it could be explained in part due to the Air Force’s requirement for an anti-magnetic watch. The Railmaster, with its inner Faraday cage, protected the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields. During the late 1950s and early 60s, many companies produced tool watches that could be used in magnetic environments, including Rolex with their Milgauss and IWC with their Ingenieur.
    The present watch is preserved in its original condition, with signs of wear illustrating its use as a military watch. The case back is engraved “P.A.F”- the acronym for the Pakistani Air Force. The dial, with broad arrow hands, have aged to a wonderful shade of espresso, as have the indexes. Even the crystal is original with the minuscule Omega logo found at its center. For enthusiasts of military issued watches, this Omega is an extremely rare treasure that is certain to delight and excite.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    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.

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178

Ref. 135004-63
An extremely rare and very attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black dial made for the Pakistani Air Force

1964
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€11,000-16,500
$12,400-18,600

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016