Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents a captivating exploration into a distinctive design element of 1930s Omega timepieces: the use of red painted indexes. His meticulously curated examples of both wristwatches and pocket watches highlight Omega's early 20th-century aesthetic choices and horological prowess. This article delves into the historical context and visual appeal of these rare vintage Omega references, making them discoverable for a new generation of collectors.
During the 1930s, Omega has made some beautiful wristwatches and pocket watches with striking red painted indexes at 3, 6, 9 & 12.
Here are a few examples.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ 1930s RECTANGULAR WRISTWATCHES
1/ Example with black square indexes Yellow gold case with separated lugs section made for the French market, dated 1934 - Unspecified movement
credit: @epocawatches
2/ Two examples with black diamond indexes Different case: no separated lugs section. Size: 22 x 36 mm. Caliber 20F
credit: Antique Watch Co Ltd
credit: Olde Timers | Vintage Wristwatches
3/ Example with baton indexes and no railroad track 18k yellow gold case with same design as the 1st example (separated lugs section) & caliber 14.8F
credit: Alexandre Landre
B/ THE 'ETAIROS' POCKET WATCH "Etairos" is the Greek for "partner", "companion".
Staybrite 48,7 mm case & Cal. 37.6
1/ Example with grey dial center 
The Italian newspaper article/ad above says:
"R. Italian Air Force. New creation in stainless steel ETAIROS
The Etairos model was created to meet the needs of today's generation: active, hard-working, and sporty. The elegant case is made of genuine English Staybrite steel, the extremely hard metal that contains all the noble elements: impervious to any reagent. Stainless steel, unalterable in its white and natural shine. The "Caliber 37.6" movement of the Etairos model has shattered all previous records held by the Geneva Observatory in its category and today holds this absolute record. Experience the Etairos model without obligation in any fine shop and you will be convinced of its superiority.
OMEGA, the watch chosen to officially time all events at the 1932 Los Angeles International Olympic Games. In the swimming events, over the 400-meter course, Elen Madison sets the Olympic and world swimming records, timed by an OMEGA watch."
b/ Example with grey outer dial ring
credit: @dudino69 & @epocawatches (last photo only)c/ Two examples with blue painted indexes
credit: Orologi Passioni 
