Photo Report: A Selection Of The Omega Museum's Private Collection

June 02, 2015

In April of this year, the Omega boutique in NYC showcased some of the most legendary and iconic timepieces from the company's private collection. HODINKEE was there to document this, including some true grail Omegas. The Omega Wristwatch Delivered to the Signal Corps. U.S.A., 1917 This particular watch signifies the important connection between Omega and military watches. This particular chrome-plated watch was worn by a member of the military communications unit of the American expeditionary forces that engaged with the Allies during WWI. A World First, the Omega "Marine," 1932 The Omega "Marine" launched in 1932 The 1932 Marine was the first commercial divers' watch in the world. The patented double-case is made of "staybrite" stainless steel, with the outer case fitting over the inner case, which is hermetically sealed against the outer case when locked. Another feature is the extendable clasp, also known as the "divers' extension." Omega, "Centenary" of Leopold Godowsky, Jr., 1947 Omega Centenary of Leopold Godowsky, Jr., 1947 This watch was given to Leopold Godowsky, the creator of the transparency film Kodachrome, by his wife Ms. France Gershwin, sister of George and Ira Gershwin. The Omega Non-Magnetic "Techron" Model "P-12" for the RCAF, 1944 Omega Non-Magnetic "Techron" Model "P-12" for the RCAF, 1944 The present watch was designed during WWII for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Using the same 30 mm caliber, Omega developed the "Techron" series of pilots' watches. There were two series used by RCAF pilots, the U-15 with subsidiary seconds and the P-12 with center seconds. RAF Antimagnetic Wristwatch, 1953 Omega "RAF" Antimagnetic Wristwatch, 1953 Omega "RAF" Antimagnetic Wristwatch, 1953 The RAF model was designed and produced according to very strict RAF guidelines in 1953. Pioneering the antimagnetic technology that would later be commercialized in the Railmaster. Omega Speedmaster, 1959 Omega Speedmaster, 1959 In 1959 the CK 2998 was introduced. With the same caliber 321 movement and updated Alpha hands, the CK 2998 was purchased by Mercury astronauts "Wally" Schirra and "Gordo" Cooper in 1962 as their personal watches. Additionally, it was worn by Schirra during his Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, becoming the first Omega Speedmaster worn in space two years before NASA's now famous tests. Omega Speedmaster, 1963 Omega Speedmaster, 1963 The ST 105.003 is the exact model delivered to and tested by NASA, unbeknownst to Omega. Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II, 1969 Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II, 1969 This model marked the first redesign of the classic Speedmaster Moonwatch case, introducing a second generation Speedmaster models. Omega Speedmaster In Yellow Gold, 1969 Omega Speedmaster Gold, 1969 This model in yellow gold was created to celebrate the American astronauts' exploit. It is the exact replica of the Omega Speedmaster Professional worn by tht e American Apollo 11 astronauts on July 21, 1969. JFK's Omega Watch The Omega Watch of John F. Kennedy The Omega Watch of John F. Kennedy This watch, model OT 3980, is special for obvious reasons C it's JFK's old watch. It also is extremely thin and was one of the flattest movements at the time. It was a gift to JFK from one of his very close friends, Grant Stockdale, in 1960 just in time for him to wear it for his inaugural speech. As seen in the picture above, the case back bears the engraving "President of the United States John F. Kennedy from Friend Grant." The 19''' "OMEGA" Caliber, 1984 The 19''' "OMEGA" Caliber, 1984 Rare Omega Ladies Watch, 1954 Omega Ladymatic, 1955 Omega Ladymatic, 1958 Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" 1968 Omega De Ville Co-Axial, 1999 Photos: Aram David