Omega Pocket Watch Caliber Identification Guide

tdn.dk · 2012-11-03T09:21:37Z

Help identify an Omega pocket watch caliber from 1917. Explore its movement, potential as a railway watch, and historical significance.

tdn.dk

WPS member · Omega forum

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tdn.dk's quest to identify an Omega pocket watch caliber from approximately 1917, and his inquiry into its potential as a "railway watch," opens a fascinating window into Omega's early horological innovations. This discussion highlights the historical significance of Omega's foundational movements and the intricate details collectors examine to authenticate and categorize vintage pieces.

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Hi!

I also collect Omega pocket watches. Most often you can see the caliber number stamped on the movement, but on this one I can not see it.

I've tried a find a similar and my guess is Cal. 19 LOBNN, but would like to hear what you think. (see below)

In addition, this clock has a train wheel at the rear. Omega has made watches for many railway companies in many countries and these watches had typically a more accurate caliber. Could this watch be a "railway watch"?

approx. 1917

Thanks..

Best Thomas

Key Points from the Discussion

The movement in question is likely a variation of the famous 'Omega' caliber, which was introduced in 19''' size and became highly successful, available in various sizes and quality grades (A, B, C, D).
The finest grade D movements, with 16 or 17 jewels, were available as chronometers adjusted to high accuracy, evolving into DD, DR, and DDR grades with extra-fine finishes and features like gold balance screws.
The engraving on the movement, featuring a winged wheel with spokes, might represent a railway track, suggesting a possible connection to railway timekeeping, which required high accuracy.
The watch is likely an 18''' variation of the Caliber 19''', possibly a standard grade B, with a diameter of approximately 40.7 mm.
The low number of jewels makes a definitive railway watch designation uncertain, despite the railway-themed engraving on the back.
The engraving resembles the original logo of the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway, suggesting it could have been an official's timekeeper.
A similar Omega pocket watch from 1905, serial number 2,584,723, was passed down through generations, highlighting the enduring legacy of these timepieces.

The Discussion

mac_omega

Nov 3, 2012

Hi Thomas, I would like to know...

Hi Thomas, would like to know the exact diameter for determination. Might have been designed for railway use due to the back - but what makes me uncertain about that is the very low number of jewels - none to be seen on the wheels... kind regards erich

tdn.dk

Nov 3, 2012

Thanks...

Movement: 40,59 mm Watch: 52,50 mm. Best. Thomas

tdn.dk

Nov 3, 2012

I guess it is

A calibre 40.6 L 15 p then? But they do not have a pattern engraved like the 19'' and the 19'' is 42,7 mm according to Rannft ?? Best Thomas

DeGeus

Nov 3, 2012

ref. identifying

Hallo Thom. This is the very movement which made Omega famous; when it was introduced (size 19''') it was actually called caliber "Omega" (the wellknown story about the namegiving by banker Rieckel). It proved to be a big succes and within a couple of years it was available in sizes 15 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 lignes (for men) and 10 - 11 - 12 - 13''' (for ladies). Moreover, practically all sizes were offered both in Lépine version and Savonette. And that's not all: depending on what accuracy you wis

watch.out1

Nov 3, 2012

thanks, ben ! when did the DDR grade started?

kind regards. achim

DeGeus

Nov 4, 2012

DDR version

The finest of the series, grade D , with 16 or 17 jewels was available as chronomètre from size 13''' up to 20''' with a 'bulletin' issued by the Bureau / Observatory in Bienne, Neuchatel or Genève - adjusted to variations of less than a minute per month, in 5 positions and under extreme temperatures. Consequently, evolving took place into: grade DD - very fine finished, for the bigger sizes 18, 19 and 20'''. grade DR - with extra-fine finish, for 19 and 20''' with 19 jewels, balance screws in g

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