Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1941 Reference No: CK 2042 Movement No: 9'103'762 Case No: 9'821'434 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 26.5 SOBT2, 15 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 41mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Delivered with an Omega Extract of the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 6th February 1941 and delivery to Germany. Literature: A similar timepiece is featured in John Goldberger's "Omega Watches" book, page 21.
Catalogue Essay
The Omega reference CK2042 is one of the rarest aviator wristwatches made during 1930s. Featuring a relatively large 41mm case diameter, the ref. CK2042 is a purpose-built utilitarian instrument for pilots during the era. Part of a second variations of pilots watches by Omega, the model is engineered to be strapped on the wrist over a flight jacket. With a fluted rotating bezel that allows easy maneuver of the inner 12-hour bezel, the wearer can track flight time with ease. Fitted with a rich black dial, the present timepiece is charmed with large luminous Arabic military styled numerals giving it not only great legibility but also a superb nostalgic appeal. Addition to attraction is the impressively well-preserved crisp case and thick lugs, the numerals have turned into a wonderful cappuccino color and add an air of debonair elegance to an already incredibly appealing watch.
To commemorate its historic importance of the model, Omega launched the limited edition Museum collection with the aviator re-edition ref. 5700.50.07 in 2000. Rarified and charmed with its unique historical fabrics, the present specimen is a true icon for vintage connoisseurs. Furthermore, the present lot is delivered with its Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1941 and delivered to Germany.
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.
