Omega R17.8 Chronometer (1942)

£ 1,500

This is an extremely rare Omega manual wind chronometer dating from spring 1942. The movement of this watch is unusual - normally Omega concentrated on producing chronometer using the 30T2 movement. Omega produced a very small number of these movements which were regulated to achieve chronometer performance (that is a deviation under test conditions of no more than a few seconds gain or loss per day).

One can only speculate about the reasons Omega regulated these smaller movements - perhaps it was simply a technical exercise to show that any of their movements could be regulated to a very high standard, or perhaps they were hedging their bets that smaller, tonneau shaped watches would come back into fashion as they had done in the 1920s and 30s.

An extract from Omega's archives is included as part of this - the extract states that the watch was originally delivered with a "Bulletin Du Marche" that is a certificate showing it had passed the chronometer tests.

There is a very interesting and detailed exploration of the Omega manual wind chronometers here

The stainless steel case is a small size at 30mm, although presumably intended as a man's watch. It has a screw-back to significantly improve the water resistance. The dial has a nice, even patina where the varnish has degraded, but not significant losses to the printing.

The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and performance is now very good. It comes with a nos Omega strap and buckle.

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 30mm
Case material: stainless steel
strap width: 16mm
time keeping: grade A

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 32mm

Case material: 9 carat gold (hallmarked Edinburgh 1955)

Strap width: 16mm

Time keeping: grade A

Please note, we are currently dispatching orders within 3-4 working days.

We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days, where this isn't possible, we will try to inform you via email.

When your order is dispatched your tracking details will be updated.

Please allow extra processing time for watches with a customised engraving or strap, during busy sales periods this can sometimes take an extra 5-10 working days.

If you are in a hurry for your watch, please email us.

Shipping guide for watches:

UK: FREE DPD shipping, 1-2 working days
United States & Canada: FREE Fedex shipping, 1-3 working days
The EU: FREE DHL Express shipping, 1-3 working days

Click here to see the full shipping guide for watches

Straps and t-shirts (unless purchased with a watch): 

Free Royal Mail 1st Class / International tracked shipping, 2-14 working days depending on location. You can see a more accurate timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

Please note, during busy sale periods dispatch may take a little longer (this is quite rare). These delivery times are a guide based on the carriers terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch. 

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