Vintage Watch Case-Back Art: Military, Prototype, Commemorative
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Vintage Watch Case-Back Art: Military, Prototype, Commemorative

By HSTE · Feb 20, 2016 · 21 replies
HSTE
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
21 replies4149 views21 photos
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HSTE initiates a captivating exploration into the artistry of vintage watch case-backs, categorizing them into prototypes, military, commemorative, and other special designs. His initial examples, including an IWC Aquatimer ref. 812 and various military-issued timepieces, set the stage for a rich community discussion.

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I was wearing this week one of my two IWC Aquatimers (ref. 812) which has this very nice symbolized submariner on the outer case-back. This ignited the idea of browsing through all the nice, special case-backs of vintage watches.

I would categorize them into 4 Topics

- propotype

- army

- commemorative

- other

I will give it a start with some examples - have fun.


Prototype - IWC 3700 with prototype geo-2 bracelet making it a 3702
Prototype - IWC 3700 with prototype geo-2 bracelet making it a 3702



Army - Heuer 2446 Autavia Argentinian Air Force
Army - Heuer 2446 Autavia Argentinian Air Force



Army - Blancpain Fifty Fathoms No Radiation Bundeswehr
Army - Blancpain Fifty Fathoms No Radiation Bundeswehr



Army - Heuer 1550 SG Bundeswehr
Army - Heuer 1550 SG Bundeswehr



Army - Omega CK2444 Malayan Air Force
Army - Omega CK2444 Malayan Air Force



Army - Omega CK2451 Argentinian Air Force
Army - Omega CK2451 Argentinian Air Force



Army - IWC Ocean 2000 Ref 3529 Bundeswehr
Army - IWC Ocean 2000 Ref 3529 Bundeswehr



Army - IWC Mark X - British Army
Army - IWC Mark X - British Army



Army - IWC Mark XI - British Army
Army - IWC Mark XI - British Army



Army - Zenith Cairelli - Italian Army (Civilian Version)
Army - Zenith Cairelli - Italian Army (Civilian Version)



Army - Longines - Army version, I do not know which Army
Army - Longines - Army version, I do not know which Army



Diver - IWC Aquatimer ref. 812
Diver - IWC Aquatimer ref. 812



Diver - Longines Diver 7594
Diver - Longines Diver 7594



Diver - Breitling Superocean Ref. 2005
Diver - Breitling Superocean Ref. 2005



Commemorative - Omega OT2850 'Cross of Merit - Melbourne'
Commemorative - Omega OT2850 'Cross of Merit - Melbourne'



Commemorative - Omega 145.022 Speedmaster 1st Moonlanding
Commemorative - Omega 145.022 Speedmaster 1st Moonlanding



Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-12xx 'Karl'
Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-12xx 'Karl'



Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-8xx
Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-8xx



Other - Omega 'La Magique' - quite experimental low production
Other - Omega 'La Magique' - quite experimental low production



Other - Vacheron Constantin '222'
Other - Vacheron Constantin '222'



Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-3x
Other - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-3x


About the Omega Ref. CK2451

The Omega CK2451 is a chronograph model from the mid-20th century, representing a period when Omega was establishing its reputation for robust and precise timekeeping instruments. This reference is part of a series of chronographs that utilized movements from Lemania, a key supplier to Omega during this era. Its design reflects the functional aesthetic prevalent in tool watches of the period, prioritizing legibility and operational reliability. It stands as an example of Omega's commitment to producing high-quality chronographs for a discerning market.

This particular reference houses the Omega Calibre 27 CHRO C12 T2 PC, also known as the Lemania 2310, a manually wound column-wheel chronograph movement. The case is typically constructed from stainless steel, though other precious metal variants may exist. While specific case dimensions can vary slightly across production batches, these models generally feature a moderate diameter suitable for daily wear. The crystal is commonly made of Hesalite, a durable acrylic material often found on watches of this vintage.

For collectors, the CK2451 is valued for its reliable and well-regarded movement, which is shared with other significant chronographs of the era. Its appeal lies in its historical significance as a foundational piece in Omega's chronograph lineage, offering a blend of technical merit and understated design. Variants often include different dial configurations and case finishes, providing collectors with a range of options within this reference.

Specifications

Caliber
Omega 27 CHRO C12 T2 PC (Lemania 2310)
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
35 mm
Dial
Silver
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Feb 20, 2016
That's an impressive array of special engravings. I'd add a proto and a military, then.

Let me add two you didn't mention... One is a proto: The second one is an army you didn't mention already: Pakistani. Best, Nicolas

HS
HSTE
Feb 20, 2016
Very nice Nicolas and - yes - you are right, I forgot my P.A.F.s.....

....and also, in addition to the IWC Bund 3529 the more rare version (confirmed production of only 50 pieces) of the IWC Bund AMAG ref. 3519 Army - Omega Seamaster 130.007-63 Pakistan Air Force Army - Omega Railmaster CK 2914-5 Pakistan Air Force Army - IWC Ocean 2000 Bund AMAG ref. 3519

AM
amanico
Feb 20, 2016
I would like to see the dial face of your PAF Seamaster! [nt]

HS
HSTE
Feb 20, 2016
Sure, here you go...

....this is a low key thing but originality confirmed by Omega extract of archives. I have now a more interesting 135.004 P.A.F. underway.

AM
amanico
Feb 20, 2016
First time I see one! Thanks! [nt]

JM
jml_watches
Feb 20, 2016
A complete ringer!

Hi Here a shot of my Vulcain Cricket from the sixties Not Sure they could have fitted much more onto it. Cheers JML

Available on the marketplace

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