Here we have a small but mighty circa 1935 Omega T17 tank watch. It has the aged silver tone dial with the rectangular sector layout. The hour markers have the radial layout with the baton style. The Roman numeral are at 9, 12 and 3, balancing with the sub-seconds register. It has the thermally blued hands of sword style. It has the clean Omega logo and text with ‘Swiss Made’ signing to the base. The case has the bevelled bezel holding the thick glass. It measures 20mm x 30mm and is a two-piece design with the snap on back. The domed crown is to the right. The back has a personal engraving of initials and the date. Inside is the omega name and serial number. The movement is the famous omega T17 which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.
The most famous Art Deco models from Omega during the 1930s contained the T17 movement. The ingenious case designs protected watches from moisture/dust, whilst offering the durability of the full steel construction. The rectangular and tank watches in this period came in various styles of dial and case which provide great variety for the collector, making them a staple of a vintage Omega collection. Inside, the T17 movement was a brilliant innovation. Contained within a tight movement cover, the T17 is an advanced calibre with its barrel shape, low profile and oversized barrel, allowing a mainspring which offers 60 hours power reserve.
The dial is an uncommon variation with the radial baton markers, Roman numerals and sector layout. The Roman numerals are on the quarters at 9, 12 and 3, balancing with the sub-second register at 6. The layout is also of sector style with the outer railroad minute track, hour marker sector and the central sector with Omega logo. The same flow is mirrored in the sub-second register. The base tone was original silver and has aged to a deep cream tone in areas. The hour and minute hands are original, of Sword style with the thermally blued finish. The sub-second hand is also original with the thermally blued tone.
The case is formed of stainless steel and measures just over 20mm wide without crown, with the length of just under 30mm. It has the total lug-to-lug measurement of 36mm, with the slim depth of 8mm.
The case is a two-piece design with the front section and snap on back. The top of the case has the thin, bevelled bezel which hold the original thick cut glass. The glass has depth, as well as the bevelled edge, which adds intrigue. The bezel meets the top of the case with the thin flat flanks, leading to the flat, angular top and bottom. There is a subtle bevel which runs into the flat sides. The lugs are downturned with the bevelled edges which catch the eye. To the right is the domed crown with the coin edge finish. The case is slightly curved to help it settle on the wrist. The case back snaps in tightly, which originally aided waterproofing. It is signed with the personal engraving ‘P.L.B.W 28.4.38’. Inside is the typical perlage finishing with the steel signing, Omega logo and serial number.
The movement is contained within the original movement cover, which can only be released with the crown removed. This helps to keep the T17 movement secure and protect from dust and water ingress.
The T17 movement is manually wound and has a jewel count of 15 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It benefits from a cut compensated balance with Breguet hairspring and a long power reserve of 60 hours.
The movement is in good condition, having been recently serviced. It has a daily variation of 30 seconds a day, with a good amplitude of 280 degrees. Its serial number is 8,370,530.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original with the silver satin finish. It is in decent condition and has an aged tone. The signing is good and clear.
Hands:
The hands are original with the thermally blued tone. They are in good condition with the bright tone.
Glass:
The glass is original and is in very good condition with no scratching or chips to the bevelled edges.
Case:
The case is formed of stainless steel and in good condition with the original polished finish. It has light scratching associated with age.
Caseback:
The case back is formed stainless steel and is original, snapping into place well. The brushed finish is good with only light marking. It has a light and small personal engraving.
Crown:
The crown appears original. It has some light wear to the chrome plating.
Strap:
The watch is on a vintage style genuine leather strap, with is new.
Movement:
The movement is an Omega calibre T17. It is manually wound and has a jewel count of 15 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has a long power reserve of 60 hours.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +30 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 280 degrees.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 20.25mm
Case width with crown: 23mm
Case length: 29.25mm
Case length lug to lug: 36mm
Case Depth: 8mm
Lug width: 16mm