I seem to be drawn more and more to this brand and, when I think of it, founded in 1848, and at the forefront of design and innovation ever since, it’s no wonder. As a watchmaker in the 70’s, many Omegas from the 40’s to the 60’s crossed my bench and with strong, quality components that were exceptionally well finished, they were a delight to service. Omega also had, and still has, very good spare parts back up.

In 1947, the two most desirable features in a watch was a sweep hand and shock resistance. This watch has both and with an 18ct gold case, this watch was definitely aimed at the well to do.

The 30T2SCPC movement, which became the 260 in 1949, was an amazing piece of simple engineering, old, tried and true technology made to an exceptionally high standard. Over 3 million of these movements were produced from 1940 to 1963.

This watch was a dress watch but big, bold and noticeable. If it was dropped onto a tiled floor, the incabloc shock absorber would protect it. The wearer would remove it if he was doing anything vaguely physical so its lack of water/dust resistance was not a problem.

This watch gets very little wrist time, but if I do wear it, it’s a special occasion. Recently I wore it to the opening night of a local production of “Phantom of the Opera”