Omega
1944 Omega Military Field Watch (Ref. 2179/3) Cal. 30T2 "U.S. Army"
Military-issued watches, especially those from the first and second world wars, are especially beloved by the watch community. They typically offer a killer combination of world history and utilitarian design that makes them irresistible to collectors. And this Omega from the tail-end of WWII is an incredible example of this.
Despite being a Swiss brand, Omega (like many other watch brands at the time) crafted watches for the militaries of other countries. This particular model was made for the U.S. Army and designed to be a simple, legible field watch for the men on the ground.
It features uniquely "wrapping" luminous Arabic numerals and a beautifully patinated dial that, despite its age, would look just as good on modern wrists as it did back then. Behind the screw-down case back is the manually-wound Cal 30T2 16-jewel movement with sweep seconds, a stout movement explicitly designed to take a beating and withstand anything the military could put it through.
Overall this is a beautiful, remarkably clean example of a military watch with great DNA that would make for a fantastic addition to any collection.
Stock # | OM2179/3 | |
Brand | Omega | |
Style | Military | |
Model | 2179/3 | |
Serial | 101XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Silver (Aged) | |
Millimeters | 36 | |
Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The beautiful stainless steel case has been gently polished but shows minimal signs of wear. It comes with its original unsigned crown that shows general wear. The case back is in fantastic condition with very few markings of any sort and the original "U.S. Army" engraving remains intact and visible. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original dial has aged beautifully, featuring a soft mottled texture and a warm - almost golden coloration throughout. The wrapping radium lume Arabic numerals have taken on a spotted grey and tan color and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original pencil-style gilt hands have been professionally restored with radium and are a light tan coloration. The center blued-steel sweeping seconds hand contrasts beautifully with the cream war dial to complete the look.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.