Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: CK2451
    Movement No: 10'826'589
    Case No: 2451, 174-1
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 CHRO C12, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Nato strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial, luminous radium indexes and special military engraving on the outside case back and its delivery to the Argentinian Air Forces on September 13, 1950.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present piece is a remarkably rare example of reference 2451 made for the Argentinian army. The dial features - as expected - a military configuration, with a black background, luminous Arabic numerals, and a case back engraved with the Argentinian Air Force emblem. To the delight of the collector of rare and historical timepieces, this configuration is fully confirmed by the Omega Archives.

    The historical interest of the piece is perfectly matched by its exceptional condition and its aesthetic appeal. The shape of the case emphasizes the dimensions of the piece, granting it a wrist presence which easily surpasses that of other watches of similar size; the military dial configuration imbues the timepiece with an extremely modern, sporty and masculine vibe. An unmissable opportunity for the connoisseur of rare vintage timepieces.

    Considered that a civilian version of this model was never realized, and that most of these watches were sold to Hungarian and Polish Air Forces with only very few examples delivered to the Argentinian Army, this is one of the most difficult-to-come by variations in the entire Speedmaster line of wristwatches whose collectability cannot be overstated.

  • 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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Ref. CK2451
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and engraved case back, made for the Argentinian Air Force

1950
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,200-22,000
$15,400-25,600

Sold for CHF20,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018