For sale we have a beautiful example of a circa 1936 Art Deco styled Omega tank wristwatch. The 9ct gold rectangular, curved case is produced by Dennison. The dial is eye-catching with its mix of shapes and textures, this is one of the better dials you will find on a T17. The hands are thermally blued, of an unusual style. Inside is the excellent Omega T17 movement with a power reserve of 60 hours, which has been serviced. A true icon of the Art Deco period from a top brand. A classy addition to any vintage watch collection. 
 
Although the case is Dennison and is not signed by Omega, it will have been produced with Omega’s blessing, under license in the UK. It was common in the era for Swiss brands to ship movements only, for casing in the UK by makers such as Dennison. This was a tactic to avoid the costly import taxes placed on gold watches in the era. 
 
The case is formed of 9ct yellow gold and is of a rectangular “tank” style. It is subtly curved to neatly fit the wrist. It is a well-proportioned case, with a width of 20mm without crown and a length of 32.25mm. The lugs are short and neat, following the cases lines, making the lug-to-lug length 37.5mm. It is still suitable for wear on a male wrist. The rear case back is hinged and is in good condition with the Dennison signing to the inside, along with British hallmarking for 9ct gold. The date letter “M” dates the watch to 1936. To the right-hand side of the case is the Omega signed crown, which is a later replacement.
 
The dial is an excellent piece of design, encapsulating the best stylistic elements of the period. It is also a very well-made dial with quality touches. The dial was originally a silver/white tone, however this has aged to an off-white tone over the years. The exterior of the dial has large black dash markers which are elongated to create an exaggerated dial. These are balanced neatly with silver foil baton markers at 9, 12, 3 and 6. This have a lovely shine to them. To the centre is the circular minute railroad track, with a powder tone within it creating an intriguing change in texture. It is signed Omega to the centre. The sub-second dial is inset, of a rectangular shape, following the shape of the dial and case. 
 
The thermally blued hands are original and are of a very unusual and omega specific style, adding yet another standout touch to this watch.
 
The watch is presented on a brown leather strap, open ended with metal tabs to fix in place. This is suitable for the fixed gold bar lugs.
 
Inside is the element that makes this watch so desirable, combined with its design. An Omega T17 movement dating to 1934. It is manual wind and has a jewel count of 15, with a power reserve of 60 hours. It was a revolutionary movement for the time with such a high power reserve, to fit within Tonneau shaped cases. The movement has been serviced. It’s keeping time to +15 seconds a day.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is in good condition for the age and is original. It has some patination and variations in colour due to ageing. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and are thermally blued. They are in good condition with no bending or corrosion. The thermally blued tone is bright. 
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is in good condition with only light marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown is a later crown, genuine Omega with Omega logo in good condition.
 
Case:
The case is formed of 9ct yellow gold and is in average condition with surface scratching. It has a polished finish with a good shine to the front and sides. There are some dimpled dents to the left-hand side towards the top. The case has naturally polished more with age and wear.
 
Caseback:
The hinged case back is formed of 9ct gold. The hinge is good, and the case closes well. It is in good condition with a polished finish and light surface scratching associated with ageing. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on brown genuine leather strap in good condition for fixed lugs.
 
Movement: 
The movement is an Omega T17, dating to 1934. It is manual wind and has a jewel count of 15, with a power reserve of 60 hours. It has the original movement cover. 
 
The movement has been serviced. It’s keeping time to +15 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a beat error of 1.0m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 20mm
Case width with crown: 22mm 
Case length: 31.25mm 
Case length lug to lug: 37.5mm
Case Depth: 9.25mm
Lug width: 15mm