Here we have a beautiful patinated example of a 1943 Omega Naiad Medicus reference CK2175. It features a stunning combination of a rose gold capped bezel and a spotted, patinated dial with standout out radial arabic numerals. It has the detailed 1/5th of a second track with the rose gold tone matching the numerals. The hands are the rose gold tone, with an original red painted central second with lollipop counterbalance. It has the 31mm stainless case with the bevelled lug design. To the right is a domed crown, aiding water resistance and maintaining a stylish touch. The case back is marked as ‘waterproof’ with the ‘Modele Depose’ signing. It has the serial number 9970305, dating to 1943. The rear of the lugs are signed 2, 72, which matches the inside of the case. It has the original lead gasket inside. 
The movement is a calibre 23,4 which is a 15 jewel manual wind movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within 20 seconds variation a day. 
 
This is one of the coolest mid-century Omega references we have seen.
 
First introduced in 1937, the Omega Naiad Medicus was a patented design of water proof watch. It had the prominent central second hand and detailed 1/5th second graduated minute track (which was favoured by those in a medical profession) which allowed accurate timing when carrying out activities such as measuring a patients pulse. 
 
Naiad is ancient Greek for water nymph, a very fitting name for the early water proof case design. 
 
This would appear to be a reference 2175, with this variation of case with bevelled lugs and bezel later becoming the reference 2300 with calibre R.17.8SC. 
 
This variation offers a design flair not commonly seen on the reference. The use of the rose gold capped bezel is eye-catching, as is the champagne dial with the copper minute/second track. The hour markers follow the flow of the dial, in a stylised font.
 
 
The case is compact measuring 30.5mm wide x 30.7mm long, with the crown taking the width to 33.9mm. The lugs add to the presence of the case with the total lug-to-lug measurement sitting at 38.25mm. The case depth of 8.75mm makes this a slim and comfortable wear. The notched bezel has the polished crystal surround with the bevelled edge that catches the light. The lugs are well sized with the tapered and downturned design. They have the brushed finish to the top, with the polished bevel. The sides are also brushed. The case back has the circular brushing with the sunburst finish. 
The inside of the case has the perlage finish and is marked as Stainless steel, with the Omega logo and serial number dating it to 1942. 
 
The silver dial is clean with the clear black signing and bold Arabic markers. The detailed 1/5th seconds track sits around the outside for precise time keeping. The hour and minute hand are of Plume style, which in our eyes is one of the most attractive styles found on 1930s/40s Omegas. With the bright thermally blued finish the hands are a joy to look at, whilst providing a clear contrast against the dial. The central second hand has the tear drop counterbalance with the sharp, thin design. 
 
The movement is the Omega calibre R17.8 SC. It is a 16 jewel manual wind movement which was launched in 1939. It has a higher than average frequency of 21,600 BPH, with a 45 hour power reserve. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +20 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 0.7m/s
 
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. It is an aged champagne tone with the speckled patination. The Omega signing is clear. The numerals are a rose gold tone with the rose gold minute track. Both have aged. 
 
Hands:
The hands are original and are of Plume style. They are in good vintage condition with slight corrosion. The red central second is original which is uncommon.
 
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement which is in perfect condition.
 
Crown:
The crown appears original with the domed style, sealing tightly. It has light marking.
 
Case:
The case is stainless steel with the rose gold capped bezel. The rose gold bezel is good with no wear to the capping. The steel case is unpolished with light marking associated with age.
 
Case back:
The case back has clearly defined marking. It has a light scratch from poor opening.
 
Strap:
The watch comes on a vintage genuine leather strap which is in good condition.
 
Movement:
The movement is an Omega Calibre 23,4 SC. It is a manual wind movement with a jewel count of 15 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH.
 
The movement has been recently serviced and is running well and keeping time to within +20 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 0.7m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 30.75mm
Case width with crown: 33.75mm 
Case length: 30.75mm 
Case length lug to lug: 38.75mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 16mm