Omega

In the few weeks since I first saw the watch and started my research I've probably come across 50+ early-1950s Connie serial numbers, whether via enthusiasts such as yourself sharing with me or images of watches I found online. So far this watch is still wearing the crown of lowest Connie serial number I have seen. 

Interestingly, it also has the lowest case number I've come across. In other words, it's definitely a very early Connie. 

Unfortunately I have learnt that it's impossible to tell exactly how early, and this because of the manner in which watches were produced at Omega at the time. Specifically, the first Connies used the 352 movement that was already in use on the Seamaster, and a case that was identical in shape to that used on the Centenary. During manufacturing parts were not drawn consecutively from existing inventory so one can see caliber 352s with serial numbers within circa a range of ten in a Connie and a Seamaster, with the Seamaster having been assembled much earlier. 

The closest I have got -- so far -- to identifying exactly when this watch was made is that it is from the first production batch of 2,500 Connies, created from January to December 1952. During this period the first Connies were shipped around the time of the 1952 Swiss Watch Show, which probably took place in early March. My hope is that this watch turns out to be one of these... But to know this for sure I guess I'll have to splurge for an extract from the archives.

Another interesting point about this watch is the dial. My research has not come across another Connie with this exact same dial, ie with this combination of the thin faceted dart-shaped hour markers with the applied numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12. So the dial too can be described as rare.

I'm waiting to receive more feedback from Connie collectors and experts, both on this forum and on other Omega forums on which I posted the same question. Once I feel that I've exhausted this source of information I'll go ahead and order an extract from the archives, which will give me the date of full assemblage of the case and the movement and when and where it was sent to.

The search continues...

ghoti

PS  Credit -- and thanks -- is due to Desmond from Omega Constellation Collectors Blogspot, probably the #1 Connie expert and aficionado. Desmond has been extremely kind in sharing with me his unmatched knowledge of Connies. Most of the information I wrote above was sourced from Desmond, and in some cases I have allowed myself to quote directly from emails he has sent me. (Thanks again, Desmond!)

 

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