For many watch enthusiasts, their passion centers on the watch movement with the rest being window dressing. Whatever one’s preference may be, the movement is the literal heart of the watch, and the driving force for precision timekeeping. Many collectors have his or her definitive favorites, for reasons varying from the finishing, complexity, simplicity, or accuracy. Movements are beautiful, and there really is nothing quite like opening a watch to see the mechanism within.
Omega’s manual-winding caliber 33.3 CHRO is an icon amongst collectors. It was launched in 1933, originally as a monopusher chronograph, however by the late 1930s, the brand redesigned it, and used the movement in some of their finest two pusher chronographs. In 1937, the caliber was fitted into Omega’s first water resistant chronograph watch – the reference CK 2077, a model that can be considered a turning point in the firm’s history. The present timepiece is a wonderful, early example of these water-resistant chronographs. Featuring an oversized, 38.5mm diameter case with screw-down caseback, it must be viewed as an early, multi-purpose tool watch with its multi-scale dial and robust, highly water resistant case construction. The hands and numerals are luminous, allowing for legibility in low-light conditions, and the dial features a pulsation, tachymeter, and telemeter track.
The present CK 2077 stands apart due to its exceptional condition in all aspects: case, dial, and movement. The sculpted, downturned lugs are extremely thick, having never been near a polishing wheel, with the original factory finishing present throughout, as crisp as it left the factory some 80 years ago. The dial is absolutely charismatic, with a mirrored hour track contrasting beautifully with the still-vivid red, blue, and black colored scales. On top of it all, the highly oversized (for the time) case allows for these many elements to exist harmoniously on the dial. This chronograph is ideal for the passionate collector who values form and function as equal partners.