Omega

• 18''' P CHRO gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator, factory engraved silver cuvette • white enamel dial, stylized Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, two sunken subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 15-minute register • large circular case, downturned wire lugs, single pink gilt chronograph button at 6 o'clock, yellow gilt crown, hinged back • case, cuvette, dial and movement signed

The movement is running and chronograph is functioning, however we recommend service soon. The movement appears rather loose within the case and should be checked. The dial is in nice condition with no visible hairlines. There are some light spots of dirt to the subsidiary dials and to the outer edges, visible when the bezel is removed. The case is in generally nice condition overall. The bezel is slightly loose and can be removed with a fingernail. There are light spots and scuffs throughout. Overall, this is a beautiful watch and in wonderful condition. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Omega confirms production with an identical dial description, pink gilt chronograph pusher and yellow gilt crown on May 21st, 1917 and sale on April 19th of the following year.

The present lot is a beautiful example not only of an early chronograph wristwatch, but of an early wristwatch in general. In 1917, wristwatches had yet to capture the attention they would enjoy later in the century.

The size of the watch is due to two important factors: facility of production and utility. The 18''' movement used in this watch could have been produced to be fitted into a pocket watch; when it came time to make a wristwatch, Omega would have used the available parts they had rather than designing a new, smaller calibre.

As the watch was probably made for use by aviators, the large size of the case and dial are very important. With such a big watch, the pilot could easily read the time during his flying maneuvers. The ingenious design of chronograph button at 6 o'clock helps the pilot activate the complication with his opposite hand and is easier to use than the standard side button design.

Finally, it is interesting to note the use of a 15-minute register, an unusual variation for a chronograph from this time period. Most chronographs feature a 30-minute register and sometimes a further 12-hour register. The 15-minute register allows a more precise reading, as each minute is clearly marked, whereas registers recording longer periods of time rarely mark intervals shorter than 10 minutes.

Similar oversized single button chronograph wristwatches are illustrated in Goldberger, J., Omega Watches, pp. 66-69.