Here we have a fascinating circa 1969 Omega Chronostop Genéve ‘Drivers’ watch, reference 146.010. The dial is shifted 90 degrees with 12 o’clock at 3 o’clock, allowing the watch to be worn on the side or underside of the wrist whilst driving. It is Grey, with the raised outer section, sloping to a flat centre. To the exterior is the racing style minute/seconds track with the thick wedge baton markers inside, in the chrome finish with luminous plots to the base. At 12 is the luminous triangle marker to differentiate it. The handset is original with the hour and minute hand painted black and white, with Tritium luminous in-fill. The tapered central second-hand pairs nicely with the Omega logo. The acrylic crystal is original and has the Omega logo etched beneath the centre. The Oval steel case has the sunburst finish to the bezel and measures 35mm wide. To the right is the neatly designed Omega signed crown. Above is the single pusher for the seconds. The case back screws into place and is marked ‘Tested 30m’. Inside it is signed with the reference and Omega name. The movement is the Manually wound Omega calibre 920, which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time, with the chronograph working well.

The Chronostop ‘Driver’
The unusual Omega Chronostop ‘Drivers’ watch was introduced in 1967. It was designed to be worn ‘under’ or on the side of the wrist, with its 12 o’clock position shifted 90 degrees from the usual position. The purpose was to allow an easier view of the time when the wearer had their hands on a steering wheel. The model was also marketed as a safer way to wear a wristwatch, for Sportsmen, technicians, doctors and engineers. Omega gave it the tag lines “Stop-Watch Timing”, “Greater Visibility’ and “Out of Harms Way”.

The unusual chronograph movement means the centre seconds can be used as a constant seconds hand, or to time events up to one minute in duration. The chronograph pusher is depressed once to start the hand running and a second press returns it to 12 o’clock.

The watch
The dial is subtle yet sporty with its clean slate grey tone with powdered finish. The dial is unusual with the raised outer section which slops to meet the flat face in the centre, the result of which is a unique depth. The silver tone applied hour markers are eye-catching with the tapered wedge shape, with Tritium lume plots to the base. To the exterior of the dial is the chequered racing minute/seconds track. The 12 o’clock triangle marker is luminous, to differentiate the 12 o’clock marker. There is a pop of colour of the dial with the Omega logo presented bright Orange tone. The handset is original with the hour and minute hand painted black and white, with Tritium luminous in-fill. The tapered central second-hand pairs nicely with the Omega logo.

The acrylic crystal is original and has the Omega logo etched beneath the centre. To the right is the neatly designed Omega signed crown. Above is the single pusher for the seconds.

The case is well proportioned, measuring just under 35mm width, with a length of just under 40mm. It is the Oval eye shape and is formed of Stainless Steel. It has semi hooded lugs, with the strap tucking in behind. The bezel has a brushed sunburst finish radiating outwards. The case facets to the top and bottom as the lugs fall away to meet the strap. The cases sides and lugs are polished. The screw back is original and is faintly signed “Tested 30M”. Inside, it is signed with the Omega logo and the reference 146.010.

The watch comes an aftermarket ‘Omega’ homage strap which is in new condition.

The movement is the Omega Cal 920. It is a manual wind movement, with a jewel count of 17. It has a hi-beat frequency of 21,600 BPH and Incabloc shock protection. It is a chronograph movement, with has a 60 second counter, which is started, stopped and reset by the single pusher. The movement has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time to within +/- 3 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 305 degrees and a beat error of 0.0m/s.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is in good original condition. The hour markers have some slight corrosion associated with age. The luminous plots are complete and the signing is clear.

Hands:
The hands are all original and are in good condition. The paint is good and bright with the luminous intact.

Glass:
It is the original acrylic crystal with the omega etching. It has some light marks associated with age.

Crown and pusher:
The crown is original and is in good condition winding and setting as it should with the clear Omega logo. The pusher is original and is in good condition.

Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in strong unpolished condition. It has some noticeable marks with one dint to the bezel between 10 and 11 o’clock and a scratch across the sunburst finish between 3 and 5 o’clock.

Caseback:
The case back is in decent original condition with the brushed finish and light overall scratching. There are some deeper scratches associated with poor opening in the past. Waterproof ‘Tested 30m’ text is faint but visible.

Strap:
The watch comes an aftermarket ‘Omega’ homage strap which is in new condition and will fit any wrist size.

Movement:
The movement is the Omega Cal 920. It is a manual wind movement, with a jewel count of 17. It is a chronograph movement, with has a 60 second counter, which is started, stopped and reset by the single pusher. The movement has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time to within +/- 3 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 305 degrees and a beat error of 0.0m/s.

Case dimensions
Case width: 34.7mm
Case width with crown: 38.3mm
Case length: 39.7mm
Case length lug to lug: 39mm
Case depth: 11.9mm
Lug width: 18mm