Omega Rectangular Art Deco Watch

Simple doesn’t have to mean boring—and this Omega proves it.

Sports watches came later to Omega, as pressure from the new ‘luxury sports watch’ category introduced in the early 1970s forced the storied brand to evolve — but historically, classically styled dress pieces was where Omega cut their teeth.

This particular piece, a dress watch dating to circa the 1940s-1950s, features a gorgeous 20mm rectangular case with gorgeous art deco lugs and an acrylic crystal, and a satin sector dial, a matching blued-steel ‘sword’ handset, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, and a sub-seconds display above 6 o’clock. The dial specifically has previously been refinished over the course of its lifetime, but that doesn't make this incredible piece any less handsome or coveted considering the premium untouched examples fetch nowadays.

Powered by a hand-cranking movement, this fabulously cool timepiece comes with mid-century charm to the moon.

You'd be forgiven for mistaking this piece for a Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso at first glance, which is no insult, but this fantastically cool watch hails from one of the most storied houses in watchmaking and offers its own take on the rectangular watch shape, particularly popular at this point in time.

With timelessly appealing looks, pedigree to rival the very best, and a versatile size — wear it today with everything from a suit or other formalwear to a t-shirt and jeans; it's all fair game, and there is no saying when another in this condition will surface again.

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today.

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn.

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.