Omega Ref. 2545 Double Seconds Hands — WatchProSite Forum Digest

hoipolloi · 2010-07-07T12:26:19Z

Explore the Omega Ref. 2545 with double seconds hands. Collectors debate if this 39mm vintage Omega is a rare prototype or a unique modification.

hoipolloi

WPS member · Omega forum

12 replies7924 views0 photos

hoipolloi's acquisition of an Omega Ref. 2545 with double seconds hands sparks a fascinating discussion among collectors about its authenticity and historical context. This thread delves into whether such a configuration was a factory prototype or a later modification, offering valuable insights into vintage Omega collecting and the nuances of rare references. The community's shared knowledge helps clarify the origins and value of these unusual timepieces.

12 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Hi all.

Not too long ago, when I asked about Ref 2545 39mm Omega cased by Central watch Case Co. Gator gave me the link about an Omega Ref 2545 which had Double Second Hands sold by Christie for 20,000 USD.

ap.watchprosite.com

Today, I received one like that, I mean an Omega Ref 2545 283 cal, 39mm with Double Seconds.

Here it is.

Picture taken with her Sisters (2544 and 2545)

And the best part of it is it doesn`t cost me 20,000 dollars, but only a small fraction of it.

Cheers !!!.

Hoi.

Key Points from the Discussion

The double seconds hand feature on the Omega Ref. 2545 is likely a modification rather than a factory prototype, as it's relatively easy to create from a standard sweep second model by adding a sub-second hand to an existing pinion.
There is only one known prototype of a 30 SC jump second movement, which is distinct from the double seconds hand configuration seen in these watches. The auction description for a similar watch may have been inaccurate.
The 'double seconds' feature might have been created to conduct tests for a 'Jump Second Program' in the early forties, comparing the synchrony of two seconds indicators driven via different paths. However, only one such prototype is believed to have been handbuilt and not intended for commercial release.
Another collector shares his Omega Seamaster 30, caliber 283, from around 1950, which also features double hands, noting that the caseback might not be original due to a modification near the crown.
It is advisable to get an extract from Omega's archives for such a watch to confirm if it was indeed a prototype, although this service might be limited for US residents.
The original poster notes that the double seconds hands were initially out of sync but were easily synchronized, highlighting a practical aspect of owning such a modified watch.

The Discussion

aaronm

Jul 7, 2010

That is a facinating...

if bizarre piece. I like that the hands are almost perfectly opposite each other, looks much nicer than some random offset between them congrats a

Bill Sohne

Jul 8, 2010

Guess the seconds differntal is like a GMT hour hand ? hhahahaha

HI I still find it hard to believe that Omega produce this at the factory. It would be a simple conversion for a standard Sweep sec model. You would need to find a sub second dial and a extra sub seconds hand. The pinion is there all you need to do is place the hand on it ! The case itself is interesting at 39 mm in diameter. One of the largest 30 mm movement case designs. Good Hunting Bill

mrsnak

Jul 8, 2010

Yes interesting.

I wonder what the thought behind 2 second hands was? Like an "almost" chrono ("we ran out of development money to add pushers") ;-)

FanFrancisco

Jul 8, 2010

Hio, congrats...

i have not seen this model especially the extra long second hand, very interesting. congrats on this rare bird. thanks for sharing. stefan

hoipolloi

Jul 8, 2010

I love it.

Hi all. I love it just because it is big and looks very unusual. At the first thought, maybe it did not come out of the manufacturer that way but it looks like only this model (2545, Cal 283) has this feature and somebody already spent quite a bit of money on Christie's auction for one like that. When I have it oiled, I will take more pictures inside and see what and how the wheels, pinions etc...look like. Best regards.

gatorcpa

Jul 8, 2010

Glad to have been of service...

BTW, when you have the watch cleaned, you should probably ask the watchmaker to synchronize the two seconds hands. Looks kind of funny out of synch like that. I took another look at the Christie's watch and it was aligned properly. You'd probably want to get an extract from Omega's archives on a watch like that to be sure it was one of the prototypes. Although if you are in the US, you're out of luck, unless a nice European forum member can help you out. http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/histor

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Omega forum with 12 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →