
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Bumper Automatic, Model 2827-1, Sub-Seconds, Honeycomb Dial, circa 1954
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- c. 1954
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- VWS3085
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (VWS3085)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega - Bumper Automatic - Model 2827-1 - Sub-Seconds - Honeycomb Dial - c. 1954 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number VWS3085), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1954. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. 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
Classy Omega Automatic Bumper Model Reference 2827-1 with Black Honeycomb Dial and Unique Lug Design Dating to 1954 Omega Bumper likely refers to a type of watch movement produced by Omega SA, the Swiss luxury watchmaker. "Bumper" typically refers to a specific type of automatic winding mechanism used in mechanical watches. In a bumper automatic movement, a semicircular weight oscillates back and forth, "bumping" against springs at each end, rather than rotating a full 360 degrees like in a traditional automatic movement. Omega is known for its high-quality timepieces and has produced various movements over the years, including bumper automatic movements. These movements were popular in mid-20th-century watches before being largely replaced by more efficient and durable full-rotor automatic movements. However, vintage Omega watches with bumper movements remain highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and craftsmanship. What’s on Offer Here we have a classic vintage Omega automatic bumper, model reference 2827-1 dating to 1954. The watch boasts a rich black dial with a beautiful yet rare honeycomb texture which is a real head-turning element, you certainly do not see many black dials with this design detail. I would go so far as to say that the photographs of this watch don't particularly do it justice and that the rare honeycomb texture on the dial is much more prevalent in the flesh, do get in touch if you would like to see a video clip of it on the wrist. The black and gold colourway gives a red opulent feel to the watch with beautiful gold Dauphine hands and applied gold hour markers. There is a subtle crosshair sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock and the dial is completed with an applied Omega signature at 12. The watch has unusual faceted spider leg-style lugs attached to the slimline stainless steel case case creating a unique look that is rather rare among dress watches. The name spider lugs refers to the watch's side profile when lying on a flat surface. The mechanical aspect of this watch includes the Omega calibre 344, an automatic ‘bumper’ movement keeping good time and making a distinct vibration when handling the watch. The movement also has 17 jewels and a longevity of 42 hours when running. Evaluating the cosmetic condition of this piece, light scratching can be seen around the case and it has a sterile caseback. Also, very minor denting is present around the 4 and 5 o'clock area. Overall it is in very good vintage condition. .
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
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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