I think Desmond is correct...

Dec 10, 2012,13:57 PM
 

...in that Omega used the same style of dial and case as the Ref. 2499, but did not market this model as "Centenary" after some point (probably in 1950 or 1951).  This likely would have coincided with the introduction of the improved bumper automatic movements cal. 34X and 35X, also in 1950. 

I have a copy of a 1950 Omega catalog which shows a 18K non-chronometer watch with the same dial as the one Kyle was considering (lower left).  My guess is that it contained a cal. 342:

I don't think one can follow the dating charts too closely on these watches.  I own a Ref. 2517 with an 11.5M serial number, which Omega has said was not delivered to the retailer until 1950.  Therefore, I would think a 12.2M serial number chronometer would have been featured in a 1951 or '52 catalog.  Remember that the very early cal. 352 Constellations had serial number that low, but were not sold until 1952.

By that point, Omega would have needed to send the cal. 343 movements used to the BO for certification under the 1951 law change.  That in-house certificate backs up other language in my 1950 catalog that states: "On request, Omega Automatic Chronometers are accompanied by a rating certificate delivered either by the manufacturer or one of the Swiss official testing stations".  Thanks to Marv for posting a copy of one of these "manufacturer" certificates. I've never seen one before.

As some of you know, there is a parallel thread on this subject on another forum, to which I have linked this discussion.  However, due to forum rules here, I can't cross link to share the knowledge to the members of both forums.

Excellent discussion,

gatorcpa

 

This message has been edited by gatorcpa on 2012-12-10 14:05:11

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Omega Centenary 2499 - Officially Certified on the dial?

 
 By: kyle L : December 8th, 2012-17:29
Hi guys, I've been looking for a Centenary 2499 and I've come across a Cal. 343 with officially certified written on the dial. I have nEver seen one of these before, is it correct? I'm curious to hear other opinions and will post pictures soon.

Pic:

 
 By: kyle L : December 8th, 2012-20:44
...  

here is mine......

 
 By: watch.out1 : December 9th, 2012-01:08
kind regards. achim ...  

is "swiss made" somewhere on the dial?

 
 By: watch.out1 : December 9th, 2012-01:11
kind regards. achim

hey Kyle nice looking example..

 
 By: Bill Sohne : December 9th, 2012-15:57
Hi Kyle... Nice looking example... so what is the story.... looks clean and the bezel Double bevel looks crisp. This watch has not seen alot of wrist time . '" The 343 is a classic movement and superior finish and the "Omega System" regulator.... So Kyle ... 

Seller decided to keep the watch...

 
 By: kyle L : December 9th, 2012-17:11
I don't blame him though, it's a really nice example. I'm still curious about the officially certified however.

Nothing to really think about...

 
 By: Bill Sohne : December 9th, 2012-17:27
Hi Kyle I have seen and owned 343 with and without the off signed on the dial.... If you like gold Omega that one would have been nice to grab ! Good Hunting BIll

NiceWatch!!

 
 By: Timertom : December 12th, 2012-12:13
That's a smart looking, and ever so rare now Centenary, I'd go for it if I could even if the officially certified were a later addition or not original to the dial in some way! Mine doesn't have officially certified on it, and I checked all the different ... 

About official certification

 
 By: Marv : December 9th, 2012-01:32
When the Centenary was issued in 1948, the Chronometre certification did not require the validation by an official agency. At that time, a chronometer had to be able to successfully pass the test, but this capability could be assessed by the manufacture i...  

Very interest post Marv

 
 By: mondodec : December 9th, 2012-21:38
Kyle's example has a 12.3 mill serial number which means it was part of the very late batches of second generation with the 12 oclock arabic numeral 2499s, dating the production of the movement to around the middle of 1950. Your evidence coincides with wh... 

I think Desmond is correct...

 
 By: gatorcpa : December 10th, 2012-13:57
...in that Omega used the same style of dial and case as the Ref. 2499, but did not market this model as "Centenary" after some point (probably in 1950 or 1951). This likely would have coincided with the introduction of the improved bumper automatic movem...  

Thank you for the scan and the info

 
 By: Marv : December 10th, 2012-16:00
I am very pleased with this thread! So my remark was only valid for the original Centenary (from 1948). Sorry for the confusion. Your scan of the 1950 catalog indicates that Omega did not wait for the change of regulatory rules in 1951 to submit some of t... 

Vey informative post!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 11th, 2012-14:19
Thank you all for chipping in! A lot of knowalge for a Omega newbie! :) Best Blomman

that sounds good to me. can you pls. send me an email....

 
 By: watch.out1 : December 10th, 2012-16:01
with the link to the other forum ? kind regards. achim