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Omega Art Deco Sector Dial Jumbo, circa 1935–1939 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Art Deco Sector Dial Jumbo, circa 1935–1939

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
c. 1935–1939
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 37 mm
Stock no.
vws4498
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4498)
Catalogue title (original)
Omega Art Deco Sector Dial Jumbo – c.1935–1939 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4498), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1935–1939. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Omega Jumbo Cased Calatrava-Style Art Deco Sector Dial Steel Watch – 37mm, Silver Dial, Calibre 26.5 SOB, 15j, c.1935–1939 In the 1930s most men's watches were small. At 37mm, this Omega was one of the larger watches of the era, now aptly nicknamed “jumbo cases”. Concentric tracks and crosshair lines divide the dial into sectors, which gives it the Art Deco aesthetic this period is known for. This example dates to c.1935–1939. Its dial has been refinished and is in excellent condition, and its movement has been serviced. What's on Offer Here we have a particularly handsome Omega Art Deco sector dial wristwatch, dating from approximately 1935–1939 , housed in a wonderfully proportioned stainless-steel jumbo case. At 37mm across , this is an unusually substantial watch for the 1930s, when considerably smaller wristwatches were the norm. With a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.5mm, it offers a lovely balance between authentic period styling and a size that remains very wearable today. The stainless-steel case features a slim polished bezel and beautifully shaped, outward-flaring tapered lugs, giving the watch an elegant, architectural appearance. The case and bezel remain in very good condition, displaying only minor marks of wear consistent with their age. Of course, the real star of the show is that fabulous Art Deco sector dial . Professionally refinished and presented in excellent condition, the silver-toned dial features a subtly contrasting smoky-grey central section, divided into quarters by fine black crosshair lines. Concentric circular detailing and precisely arranged sector markings create the wonderfully geometric appearance so characteristic of 1930s watch design. Around the outer edge sits a beautifully detailed railway minute track, numbered at five-minute intervals, while the stylised Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9 provide a particularly attractive Art Deco flourish. The Omega signature sits neatly beneath 12 o'clock, with a recessed subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock featuring delicate concentric detailing. Elegant dark blued-steel hands complete the design, providing a striking contrast against the lighter dial. The result is a wonderfully balanced and distinctive dial that captures the spirit of the Art Deco period beautifully. Inside is the Omega Calibre 26.5 SOB , a 15-jewel manual-winding mechanical movement from an important period in Omega's early wristwatch development. The movement has been serviced, offering additional reassurance for anyone looking to enjoy this lovely vintage timepiece. With its generous jumbo proportions, beautifully executed refinished sector dial and elegant stainless-steel case, this is a particularly appealing example of 1930s Omega watchmaking, combining unmistakable period character with a remarkably wearable design. Condition Report: Crystal: Excellent Dial: Excellent Bezel: Very Good Case: Very Good Movement: Currently With Our Watchmaker Being Serviced Overall: Excellent

Historical context

Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)

The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.

The wristwatch overtook the pocket watch. Military use in the First World War, aviation, water-resistant cases (1926), automatic winding (1923–31), rectangular Art Deco designs and early chronographs and calendars defined the period.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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