The 1950's Omega Automatic YG

The 1950’s was a very competitive time in watchmaking. The range of watches that were produced by brands like Rolex, Omega and Longines (to name a few) were so diverse and a person looking for a watch during this time was really spoiled for choice. The example we are looking at today is a great demonstration of the beautiful watches, both aesthetically and technically one could consider for their wrist.

To describe the watch in todays article and video is to understand the movement used in the watch. But before we dive into that, the watch is a 35mm time only watch cased in a 14k gold filled case. The gold of the case is matched by a gold-toned dial, with applied hour markers and Breguet numbers indicating the 3, 9 and 12 hours. The dial has been refinished, but the Omega applied logo and sub seconds dial give the watch great proportions.

Now, to dive a bit more into the caliber 342, the movement that the watch is running on. The caliber 342 is one of Omega’s first series of automatic movement. The movement is a bumper movement and was initially produced under the name Cal.28.10 RA PC from 1942 to 1949. Throughout this time, Omega introduced some other calibers, namely the 330 series of movements which included the caliber 332 which was used in the Omega Seamaster’s from 1947- 1948. Omega then introduced the caliber 342 in 1949 and used it through until 1955. So not only does this watch has aesthetically pleasing features, it is significant in the history of automatic movements produced by Omega.

There were approximately 1.3 million caliber 342 movements produced, of which about half a million were chronometers. The movement has 42 hours of power reserve, and is in very good condition, running well in this example. The watch comes on a black strap, making the piece a great option for the dressier occasion. But, swap the black strap out for a brown strap and you definitely have an everyday wearer.

The watch is available at our store here.

Enjoy!