The Watch
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The Omega Reference CK 2179 was found on the Wrists of U.S Army Troops in WW2. A popular design with the rounded Arabic Numerals, Omega initially created this reference for Civilian use before it took the eye of the U.S Army, who promptly purchased an amount for Military use.
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This particular Omega CK 2179 is for Civilian use and comes with an "Extract from the Archives" from Omega themselves meaning we can accurately date this Watch to March 16th 1945.
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I found this Watch when hunting in NYC this January, so whilst the Extract says that it was Delivered to Switzerland, it's interesting that it eventually found its way to America. As soon as I saw it through a sea of other Vintage Watches, I was immediately drawn to it, the Radium Dial is extremely charming, the rounded numerals are very pleasing and the 35mm steel Case is pretty much bang on trend at the moment.
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Age: 16th March 1945.
Reference: CK 2179/3.
Movement: Manual Wind with Sweep Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2 SC.
Timekeeping: Keeping fair time within the reasonable expectations of an Unserviced Vintage Timepiece.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: Original Omega Radium Factory Dial.
Dial: Original Omega Radium Factory Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/37.6mm End to End: 41.8mm.
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Replacement crystal.
Crystal: Replacement crystal.
Crown: Seemingly Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 18mm Khaki NATO style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Extremely Aesthetically Pleasing Dial Layout.
- Radium Numerals.
- Beautiful Patina.
-35mm Steel Case.
-Omega Extract from the Archives.
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There is some foxing to the Dial, which I find beautiful.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Some minor age related marks to Case.
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Overall the Civilian is in beautiful Vintage condition.
The Dial is in a wonderfully warm patinated condition, there is some foxing to the Dial that can be seen at a certain angle.
Steel Case is in good nick.
The caseback is nice.
The Crown is seemingly correct, when compared to other examples.
Crystal has been replaced at some stage.
Hands are in nice order.