...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