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Omega Dress Watch, Tropical Dial, ref. 2639, Stainless Steel, Cal.265, circa 1950 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Dress Watch, Tropical Dial, ref. 2639, Stainless Steel, Cal.265, circa 1950

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
c. 1950
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
stainless steel
Dimensions
Case 36 mm
Stock no.
vws1520
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws1520)
Catalogue title (original)
Vintage Omega Dress Watch - Tropical Dial - Reference 2639 - Stainless Steel - Cal.265 - c.1950 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws1520), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1950. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: stainless steel. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 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

An unusually large (36mm) vintage Omega, model reference, 2639. A dress watch, manufactured c.1950, in a stainless steel case with caliber 265 manually wound movement. This Omega reference, 2639, is a sought after vintage watch mainly due to its oversized case, sometimes referred to as a Jumbo Calatrava style watch. These were produced mainly in the 1950s with various movements and a variety of dials. Its size, in particular, has remained appealing, at 36mm, it is unusually substantial given its period of production as most watches of that era were much smaller. You will find it also wears larger than even its 36mm size, and this is due to the fact the dial is large as the case bezel is quite thin and with the long and twisted lugs it gives it an overall larger feeling, both on and off the wrist! This model initially came to the market in 1949, however, most 2639 models are from the early 50s. The watch is prominent enough for everyday wear, it's all dial in comparison to its counterparts of the same era, giving a contemporary feel to a truly charming vintage piece, plus, it fits perfectly under cuffs and looks a million dollars on the Omega leather strap. What’s On Offer The dial, originally a pale ivory, has taken on a beautiful caramel hue, which compliments the applied and polished arrowhead and 3, 9, and 12 numerals, applied logo, elegant polished stick hands and small second feature, perfectly. The robust stainless steel case is made in two parts with a solid upper body including a moulded chamfered bezel and separate screw-down case back, finished off beautifully by the elegant, long twisted lugs that are very reminiscent of the Speedmaster Moon watches of later years! The 265 caliber movement is a 15-jewel, anti magnetic movement, widely considered a 'workhorse' movement that is easy to service. This watch is in excellent condition considering its age, it keeps good time as it now should, having just come back from our watchmaker after a complete overhaul of the movement, and is in full working order, consequently it would make a stylish everyday wearer or a super elegant dress watch! Additional information Made from Case: Stainless Steel Dial: Caramel tropicalisation Crystal: Original Omega signed Plexi Bracelet: Genuine Omega leather strap and pin buckle Technical specifications Winding: Manual Movement Type: Mechanical hand wound Caliber: 265 Jewels: 15j Waterproof: N/a Power reserve: 45hr Purchase details Condition: Excellent - 9/10 Model Reference Number: 2639-4 Date of issue: circa. 1950 Guarantee: 12 months by VWS Dimensions Width: 36mm Lug width: 18mm Lug height: (lug to lug) 43mm Wrist size: Adjustable

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

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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