1915 Omega pilot watch | FerrariChat
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1915 Omega pilot watch

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by snj5, Sep 14, 2010.

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  1. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
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    Russ Turner
    #1 snj5, Sep 14, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well, I probably paid to much, but it seems to be a real WW1 pilot watch. I have only had a Navitimer for the last 10 years, and now I have two watches.
    Anyone have any info about this particular Omega?
    Thanks.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. SBrooks

    SBrooks Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2009
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    #2 SBrooks, Sep 14, 2010
    No info from me but it looks really cool
     
  3. MaxPower

    MaxPower Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 MaxPower, Sep 14, 2010
    lovely watch mate ... congrats on the purchase ...
     
  4. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
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    Mar 21, 2004
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    #4 ylshih, Sep 14, 2010
    That looks in terrific condition for a 1910's watch.

    Any more details like model, movement or serial number?

    The Omega references I looked up (by no means complete) don't show anything that looks like a regulator model. They do say that Omega made military wristwatches in the 1910's, but didn't start making pilot watches until 1930's.
     
  5. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
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    #5 snj5, Sep 14, 2010
    Here's the Ebay ad:
    "PILOT WATCH 1915
    omega "regulator" Aviation, world war 1 pilots watch, circa 1912-1915
    massive silver triple case, all proof marks..super accurate, Restored cosmetically and mechanically.
    Excellent luminisence on restored dial
    Clear crystal
    Triple silver hinged case
    15 Jewel Omega Movement
    Dust Cover Marked:
    "OMEGA, GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900"..matching serial numbers on all case covers + multiple .800 silver markings, and proof markings on inside case covers.
    Back shows stunning engraved design
    Among the most collectible the fine Omegas
    Investment grade condition.
    0MEGA ""REGULATEUR" AVIATION WWI SILVER PILOT WATCH 1915
    omega "regulator" Aviation, world war 1 pilots watch, circa 1912-1915
    massive silver triple case, all proof marks..super accurate, Restored cosmetically and mechanically.
    Excellent luminisence on restored dial
    Clear crystal
    Triple silver hinged case
    15 Jewel Omega Movement
    Dust Cover Marked:
    "OMEGA, GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900"..matching serial numbers on all case covers + multiple .800 silver markings, and proof markings on inside case covers.

    Case serial: 4366537 Signed OMEGA Cal. 40,6 L

    Case diameter: 49mm Solid Silver 0,800 with Authentic Marks and OMEGA logo , with Grand Prix Paris 1900 Medallions

    Case lug to lug: 57mm

    Case thickness: 14mm

    This Omega Regulateur Ministere De L'Aviation WWI is a great collectible timepiece. The Original 0,800 solid silver Omega case has been converted and has two back lids; inner lid has medallions. The Omega dial has been professionally restored and has the hour hand with Roman numerals at 1 o'clock and the second hand at 9 o'clock. The original Omega mechanism has 15 jewels and is powered by a manual winding/time setting crown. Overall, this timepiece is in good working condition."
     
  6. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
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    #6 forgeahead, Sep 14, 2010
    Just out of curiosity, how much was it?
     
  7. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
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    Mar 21, 2004
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    #7 ylshih, Sep 14, 2010
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2010
    The restoration explains the condition!

    The serial number 4366537 fits in the right time period. Two references I have say that 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 was between 1912 to 1916 (though a small number of releases used up some numbers in this range up to 1927).

    I couldn't find a caliber 40,6. But the designation probably means the movement diameter was 40.6mm. That's a large movement (and a big wristwatch!) and probably means it was actually based on a pocket watch movement. The ball-form crown was popular for aviator/sport watches as it made it easier to wind with gloves on.

    One reference says that the British RAF and US Signal Corps issued Omega military watches to crews in 1917 and 1918, respectively. These watches had soldered curved wriststrap lugs, central hour/min hands and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Some had a wire cage crystal cover. The 1930's aviator watches were based on a caliber 35.5 (35.5mm, also a pocket watch movement). These look similar to the earlier military watches (soldered curved lugs, central hrs/mins, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock) except with a black dial, luminescent numbers and hands.

    Sorry, I can't add much more. Looks like you'll have to find a vintage Omega expert.
     
  8. Simon

    Simon Moderator
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    #8 Simon, Sep 15, 2010
    Beautiful watch Russ. I have a soft spot for vintage Omegas but I can't help you with ID-ing this stunner I'm afraid.
     
  9. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

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    #9 snj5, Sep 15, 2010
    Many thanks all.
    Someone else told me to beware that it may be something called a "Ukranian Fantasy Watch".
    I compared the movement photos with known older Omega movements and it looks the same, and the face is of the same style as other Omega Regulateurs.
    So what is a Ukranian Fantasy Watch?
     
  10. etip

    etip Formula 3

    Apr 4, 2004
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    #10 etip, Sep 15, 2010
    Sounds like a code name for fakey-do-replica watch. But, sounds like Ylshih gives some credence to it's authenticity with the serial number.
     
  11. Buggin

    Buggin Karting

    Dec 8, 2006
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    die langsame
    #11 Buggin, Sep 15, 2010
    Absolutely beautiful watch.
    Great find.

    Now, how often are you NOT going to wear it?
    (I would be too afraid of banging it up)
     
  12. definitelysomeday

    definitelysomeday Formula Junior

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    #12 definitelysomeday, Sep 15, 2010
    This watch is likely a Ukranian Fantasy Watch.

    It is a most like a genuine Omega pocket watch converted to a wrist watch. The aviation history might be made up. The dial is DEFINITELY refinished and I am confident the L'Aviation markings were added. I have not seen any early 1900's pocket watches with original black dials.

    Cool watch. Have fun with it and wear it in good health.
     
  13. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
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    #13 snj5, Sep 15, 2010
    Well, I've heard this a time or two now. I kinda have to laugh if this is true as it is much like one of my planes - a replica made with many original parts. :) Serves me right.
    I'm going to wear that damn thing every day - at least its' "heart' is good. :)
    I'll verify this with Omega once it arrives and let everyone know what they say it is.
    Thanks all.
     
  14. willcrook

    willcrook F1 Rookie
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    Feb 3, 2009
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    #14 willcrook, Sep 5, 2011
    I'm sorry, you've been had

    Lots of people buying these from that Ukrainian off Ebay at the moment, I've notified Ebay several times but as usual they don't seem to care.
     

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