Omega Automatic Bumper, ref. 2375/1, circa 1944

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Omega S/S Auto Bumper Movement Movement No: 10517455 Cal: 28.10 RA PC 17j Caseback/Model Ref: 2375/1 Patent + C. 1944 This Omega takes us back to the formative years of the automatic wristwatch, when self-winding technology was still developing and the familiar full-rotor system had yet to become the industry norm. Omega introduced its first automatic wristwatches in the early 1940s, using what collectors now commonly call a bumper movement. Rather than making a complete rotation, the oscillating weight travels through a limited arc before meeting sprung buffers at either end. The gentle movement of the weight can often be felt on the wrist, giving these early automatics a mechanical character quite unlike their modern descendants. The 28.10 RA PC belongs to this early generation of Omega automatic calibres. The movement was based around Omega's 28.10mm architecture and used the bumper winding system to replenish the mainspring as the watch was worn. In an era when manual winding remained entirely normal, an automatic watch was still a relatively novel proposition. Dating from around 1944, this example comes from a particularly interesting moment in Omega's history. Its restrained case proportions and subsidiary seconds retain the look of a traditional 1940s wristwatch, while the automatic movement inside points towards the direction watchmaking would increasingly take during the following decade. What’s on Offer Here we have an early Omega Automatic, reference 2375/1, dating from approximately 1944 and housing the 17-jewel Omega Calibre 28.10 RA PC bumper automatic movement. The stainless-steel case measures approximately 32mm across and 40mm from top to bottom, with an attractive stepped profile and gently curved lugs. These are authentic 1940s proportions, but the relatively long lug-to-lug measurement helps give the watch a little more presence on the wrist. Its dial is where much of this watch's vintage character lies. What would originally have been a much lighter surface has developed a warm cream tone with extensive age-related patina and fine crazing across the finish. It is visibly an old dial and, rather wonderfully, looks like one. The layout itself is particularly attractive. Bold Roman numerals at 12, 3 and 9 are combined with rectangular hour markers around the remainder of the dial. A railway-style minute track runs around its outer edge, while the Omega symbol and OMEGA AUTOMATIC signature sit neatly beneath 12 o'clock. At 6 o'clock is a recessed subsidiary seconds dial, helping to give the watch the balanced appearance associated with watches of this era. The hour and minute hands have also aged considerably, their warm tones sitting naturally alongside the patinated dial. Inside is the Omega Calibre 28.10 RA PC, a 17-jewel automatic bumper movement with an approximate power reserve of 42 hours. The watch is fitted to a black leather strap with an adjustable fit and has a 17mm lug width. There is no original box or paperwork. Condition is rated at 8.5/10. As the photographs show, this is not a pristine or restored-looking vintage Omega. There are marks to the stainless-steel case and extensive ageing to the dial and hands, but these elements give the watch the unmistakable appearance of a piece that has survived for more than 80 years. This watch forms part of a larger collection that we have been asked to sell on behalf of a watch collector's family. If you would like the watch serviced before receiving it, this can be arranged through our watchmaker at additional cost. Simply leave a note when placing your order and we will contact you to discuss the options.