Omega '53 thin arrow. N.O.S. never worn.

[Drew Morritt]

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[ddaniel]

Congratulations on such a unique find!

D.

[hq_sandman_ute]

Originally Posted by James Dowling

Hi All;

The question about the case back engraving is still open, although I tend to think that it was done at Omega, as we know for certain now that the caseback engravings on Mil Subs were done at Geneva.

However, the paper inhibitor disc was included in the specification and would have been present in any unissued watch.

Ian’s ’53 RAF Omega is certainly an odd duck. With no outer caseback markings, inner caseback markings sans -1 SC, no VPI disc, and the early 283 movement number (1949-50?), I’m wondering whether Ian’s watch is in fact a pre-production watch supplied for evaluation by the Air Ministry?

You are right James, the ’53 RAF Omega was supplied in accordance with the provisional GS wristwatch specification DEF-3 (1 September 1951) with subsequent amendments and additions as called for by the Air Ministry. The key amendments related to the need for shock-proof balance staff mountings and corrosion inhibitor (VPI) paper.

In answer to your query Ian, I personally would leave the watch in “as found condition”.

Regards, ken

[hennabav]

Absolutely amazing!!

[isologue]

Originally Posted by hq_sandman_ute

Ian’s ’53 RAF Omega is certainly an odd duck. With no outer caseback markings, inner caseback markings sans -1 SC, no VPI disc, and the early 283 movement number (1949-50?), I’m wondering whether Ian’s watch is in fact a pre-production watch supplied for evaluation by the Air Ministry?

That's why I asked the questions, Ken. I recall some excitement among Omega specialists regarding a possible Railmaster protoype (the RM being very similar to the 53). A quick google dug up this post from the Omega watch prosite showing an identical case back seemingly delivered to the UK on 18.04.1961. That watch has a cal 283 movement in the 14xxxxxx range incorporating a swan neck regulator.

Don't have a clue as to what this means.

Regards,

Martin (isologue)

[MSNWatch]

The white dial railmaster is a canada market watch thought to exist in very small numbers. There are at least 3 legit examples that have surfaced and a 4th one with somewhat more doubtful provenance so it is not a one off prototype. I suspect a few more examples exist in Canada to perhaps someday be located.

[isologue]

Originally Posted by MSNWatch

The white dial railmaster is a canada market watch thought to exist in very small numbers. There are at least 3 legit examples that have surfaced and a 4th one with somewhat more doubtful provenance so it is not a one off prototype. I suspect a few more examples exist in Canada to perhaps someday be located.

Thanks for that. I think the Railmaster is a bit of red herring here. I was more interested in the case back shown in that post that was associated with the black dialled watch. It is identical to the case back shown for the watch under discussion here and it isn't an issued Omega 53 case back - although Omega seem to say that the 2777 pattern was designed specifically for the RAF.

Still don't have a clue as to what this means.

Regards,

Martin (isologue)

[Simon]

A proper watch. They don't get better than a 53.

[hq_sandman_ute]

Originally Posted by Simon

A proper watch. They don't get better than a 53.

Couldn’t agree with you more Simon. I consider the ’53 RAF Omega as the iconic military wristwatch. It has all the hallmarks of a well-designed military wristwatch: an uncluttered large dial layout, prominent and well-proportioned hands, and the cal 283 is bullet-proof. It has a real presence on the wrist because of its size and weight, and the fixed strap bars and stainless steel case reinforces its military credentials. The case-back markings are like no other. The Mk. 11 may be a favourite for many collectors (for good reason), but for me, the ’53 RAF Omega is number one on my top 10 list.

[hq_sandman_ute]

I provided Ian's Omega RAF watch movement number to Omega (with his permission) and received the following reply:

Mvt 11.738.172
Cal 283
Ref CK 2506
Prod 18.08.1950

It appears Ian's movement was originally assigned to an Omega model CK 2506.

[MSNWatch]

Looks like it is not a NOS piece after all - the movement not matching the case appears to clinch this.