Here we have a wonderfully clean example of a 1970 Omega Geneve 9ct gold watch, reference 131/25016. It is of particular interest to those connected to the Western National Bus company, due to its presentation engraving. It comes nestled within its original Garrard box and is presented on its original Omega strap and Omega logo buckle. The case measures 33.75mm wide and is a neat design with the dished bezel and thin straight lugs. The back of the case is solid and has the presentation engraving ‘Western National, Presented to W.C. Bloomfield, in appreciation of 40 years loyal service, October 1970’. The dial has a linear brushed finish which is crisp and catches the eye. It has the applied baton hour markers with the black strip to the centre. It has the applied Omega logo with ‘Omega’ and ‘Geneve’ model signing. The hands are of Index style with the tapered central seconds. To the right is the original Omega signed crown. Inside the case has the Omega signing and reference number with hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office. The movement is the Omega calibre 601 which is manually wound. It has been recently serviced and is keeping exceptional time.

Clean, sharp, pristine. This is a wonderful example which was likely only worn a couple of times, on special occasions. As with many presentation watches, they were cherished and well looked after due to their value and symbolism of a working life. Your retirement gold watch from your workplace, was a special way of marking the time employees dedicated to their respective companies.

The watch has the presentation engraving to the rear ‘Western National, Presented to W.C. Bloomfield, in appreciation of 40 years loyal service, October 1970’. We can only imagine the changes Mr Bloomfield saw in his workplace from 1930-1970. Regional monopolies became the standard model of company, whilst the buses themselves shifted from wood-framed vehicles to standardized metal and fiberglass designs. Trams and trolleybuses were phased out, leaving diesel buses as the kings of urban transport.

The dial is a clean and classic layout, elevated by the use of texture. The base tone is silver, but it has a wonderful linear brushed finish which catches the eye. The signing is black with the dash minute/second markers to the exterior. The hour markers are the gold tone baton style and are applied to the dial. They have the black strip to the centre which provides contrast. The 12 o’clock marker is differentiated with the double marker. Below 12 o’clock is the applied Omega logo in the gold tone with the ‘Omega’ text below. Above 6 o’clock is the ‘Geneve’ model signing and below is the ‘Swiss Made’ text. The hour and minute hand are of Index style in the gold tone. They have the black painted strip to the centre which ties in with the hour markers. The central second hand is neat with the tapered finish.

The case measures just under 34mm wide, a classic dress proportion of the period. It has the lug-to-lug length of 38mm and has a slim case depth of 9mm. The lug width is 18mm which accommodates a well sized strap.

The case is circular and is formed of 9ct gold. The bezel has a dished profile with the polished finish that catches the light. The lugs appear adorned onto the case with the cut out where the bezel sits. They are a neat straight lug design which is thin and has a downward angle towards the wrist. To the right-hand side is the original crown edge crown which has the Omega logo to the face. The case back is solid and has the dished design with the polished exterior. The flat face to the centre has the brushed finish and the presentation engraving. The bezel comes off with the dial/movement coming out of the front. The inside of the case has the perlage finishing and hallmarking from London assay office for 9ct gold. It has the Omega signing with the reference 131/25016.

The movement is the Omega calibre 601 which is manually wound. It has the traditional rose gold tone finish which is one of the cleanest examples we have seen with a bright, even shine. It is marked as having 17 jewels and having been adjusted to two positions. The serial number dates it to 1969 which fits with the age of the watch. It has been recently serviced and is keeping excellent time to within a couple of seconds variation per day.

The watch comes on its original black leather omega strap, which has been softened to ensure it is wearable. It is in very good condition with few signs of wear. It has the large logo Omega buckle which is gold plated and is manufactured by ‘AW’.

As mentioned, it comes in its original Garrard box, which has the sticker with Mr. Bloomfields name to the rear.

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 excellent original condition with no marking or ageing.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in very good original condition with the bright gold tone.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is the original and has been polished. It has some light marks but is in good condition.

Crown:
The crown is original and has the gold-plated finish with the clear Omega logo. It maintains the bright gold tone and functions well.

Case:
The case is formed of 9ct gold and is in very good condition with only light marking.

Caseback:
The back is in very good condition with the brushed finish. The presentation engraving is clearly defined.

Strap:
The watch Omega strap shows little signs of wear and is in very good condition, as is the buckle.

Movement:
The movement is the Omega calibre 601 which is a manual wind movement. It has a jewel count of 17 and benefits from shockproofing. It is marked as adjusted to two positions.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time to within +/- 3 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 275 degrees and a 0.0 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 33.75mm
Case width with crown: 34.75mm
Case length: 33.65mm
Case length lug to lug: 38mm
Case depth: 9mm
Lug width: 18mm