Prototype P33 Omega Central Tourbillon

• cal. 1170 Omega automatic rotor movement • guilloché dial, hour and minutes on rotating transparent disks, Omega logo and central seconds to the tourbillon cage • stepped bezel, setting crown to the back • with a gold plated Omega buckle

The movement is runing while cataloguing however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. The dial is in good condition. The case shows some signs of ageing. Overall this is a well preserved example with important historical value since it is the prototype for the Omega Central Tourbillon.
"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."

Accompanied  by an Omega presentation case as well as documentation containing original designs, Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres in La Chaux-de-Fonds, original drawings as well as press articles from the period relating to the genesis of Prototype P33 Omega Central Tourbillon.

This watch represents the beginning of an important project launched in 1991 under the direction of Maurice Grimm and André Beyner who developed the principles of this revolutionary movement.
The name P33 comes from Beyner's habit to name projects according to all odd numbers after his date of birth (1927), 33 being the fourth project he worked on.
This prototype in its simple form with a non-gold case, is the original design that served as the basis for the Omega Central Tourbillon project launched in 1994 at the Basel Fair.
The movement developed by Maurice Grimm and Andé Beyner, was originally calibre 1170. It was later replaced in 1997 by the calibre 2600A and in 2001 by the 2600B, making it an iconic model that demonstrates the evolution of time keeping. 
This world premiere was greatly publicised at the time in horological magazines and further enhanced the renewal of the Swiss watch industry's in the 1980's by people such as Mr. Hayek.

This prototype along with its documentation, is a testimony to the geniuses within the watch making industry whose accomplishments lead to the resurgence of the 'Swiss Made' watch.
The Musée International de la Chaux-de-Fonds now hosts most of the original documents from Maurice Grimm and André Beyner, which demonstrate the significance of the Prototype P33 Omega Central Tourbillon model .