170 - Omega - Observatory Chronometer

Omega - Observatory Chronometer (*) A large observatory chronometer from a small series of 88 pieces, which were intended solely for precision competitions. This chronometer participated in the chronometer test at the Neuchâtel Observatory—with a Bulletin de Marche from the Observatoire Astronomique et Chronométrique de Neuchâtel and two excerpts from the chronometer archives by Andreas Hidding Movm. No. 7049454, Cal. 60.8, Dimensions 75 mm, circa 1930, Weight 335 g, Origin: Switzerland Case: Base metal, chrome-plated, glazed back. Dial: Enamel. Movement: 1/2-plate movement, 24-mm Guillaume gold-screw compensation balance, blued balance spring with both sides passing. The Omega 60.8-mm chronometer was intended solely for precision competitions. This very large caliber produced results that were barely better than those of the 47.7-mm caliber. The observatory caliber, which had been constructed taking into account all known findings and experiences, exhibits some remarkable features even without them. Only 88 pieces featuring the 60.8 caliber were produced between 1925 and 1930. Source: “Omega” 2007 by Marco Richon, page 174. This timepiece participated in the 1932 and 1933 chronometer trials at the Neuchâtel Observatory—accompanied by a Bulletin de Marche from the Observatoire Astronomique et Chronométrique de Neuchâtel and two extracts from the chronometer database compiled by Andreas Hiddings. This Omega chronometer movement competed in the 1932 Neuchâtel Observatory competition in the category “Chronomètres de Poche 1re Classe – 1er Prix.” With an average daily rate deviation of 0.18 seconds, it achieved a score of 8.0 points, placing 37th out of 54 chronometers in the “Chronomètres de Poche 1re Classe – Diamètre supérieur à 45 mm” class. The following year, in 1933, the movement competed again at Neuchâtel, this time in the “Chronomètres de Bord – IIIme Prix” category. It achieved N = 8.76 points, placing 8th out of 8 chronometers in the “Chronomètres de Bord – Diamètre supérieur à 60 mm” class. The regulator for both competitions was Gottlob Ith of Biel/Bienne. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.