Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: movement made in 1947, cased in circa 1987
    Movement No: 10’595’943
    Model Name: "Tourbillon 30 I"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 30 I
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Omega pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: Reinhard Meis, Das Tourbillon, p. 351

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1947, Omega created twelve Calibre 30 I tourbillon movements of only 30mm in diameter to run in the “wristwatch” category of the Geneva, Neuchatel and Kew-Teddington Observatory trials. In these movements, the tourbillons had a rotation rate of 7.5 minutes as opposed to the more habitual 60 seconds.

    In these trials, manufacturers would submit one or several specially prepared movements for competition. Interestingly, these watches were never meant for sale, the purpose of these trials being not only competition but also a testing ground for research on chronometry and of course a marketing and communication tool for the manufacturer in selling their “regular production” watches.
    Prior to being allowed to compete, entrants were tested, and those meeting the rigorous standards were eligible for actual competition. The watches were tested in 5 positions and 3 temperatures (4°C, 20°C and 30°C) for a period of 40 to 44 days. Each movement was graded on a performance scale and awarded a certificate with the final score and rating.

    It is important to note that these movements did not have a particularly fine aesthetic finish but were technically the best of the best: the surfaces of pinions and wheels were highly polished with exceptionally even tolerances, springs were pre-tested and hand chosen and the dimensions of shafts and bearings perfectly executed.

    Out of twelve examples of the Calibre 30 I, only 7 examples participated in serveral trails between 1947, 1950 and in 1952.

    The project was leaded by Mr. J-P Matthey Claudet, watchmaker at Omega, and the movements were entirely hand made. Mr. Marcel Vuilleumier, director of the Horological School in the Vallee de Joux, was the master watchmaker that designed the Tourbillon caliber. To mention that movement number 10’595’933 achieved the remarkable score of 867.7 points in 1950. The highest result ever achieved in this category. The present example is the 2nd last tourbillon made and was tested at the Neuchatel Observatory in 1947, and further adjusted by Master regulateur Alfred Jacquard.

    In 1987, seven of these twelve movements were discovered by Omega and entirely rebuilt, they were then cased in gold and silver livery and offered to a select group of collectors (like the present example).

    The present watch, in superb condition, has been part of the same collection for over 35 years and can be considered as a truly “Holy Grail” for Omega collectors.

  • 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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Property from a Distinguished Collector

914

A historically important and extremely rare yellow gold tourbillon wristwatch

movement made in 1947, cased in circa 1987
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 800,000 
€48,100-96,100
$51,300-103,000

Sold for HK$635,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024