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Omega Dresswatch Black Honeycomb dial ref. 2493-5 Automatic, 1950 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Dresswatch Black Honeycomb dial ref. 2493-5 Automatic, 1950

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
1950
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 36 mm
Stock no.
W-3844
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3844)
Catalogue title (original)
Omega Dresswatch Black Honeycomb dial ref. 2493-5 Automatic (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3844), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1950. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Bulang & Sons

Founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848, Omega has grown into one of Switzerland's most celebrated watchmakers. While the brand is perhaps best known today for its Speedmaster and Seamaster collections, Omega also produced a remarkable range of elegant dress watches throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Presented here is a particularly attractive example from that era. Measuring 36 mm across, the gold-plated case is paired with a stainless steel screw-down case back. Strong, well-proportioned lugs lend the watch a slightly more masculine presence while retaining the elegance expected of a mid-century dress watch. The black dial is especially appealing, featuring a subtle honeycomb texture that adds depth and character. Applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock are complemented by faceted hour markers at the remaining positions, while an applied Omega logo and subsidiary seconds display complete the balanced layout. Fine dauphine hands provide a touch of refinement, having been sympathetically relumed during the watch's lifetime. Powering the watch is Omega's celebrated bumper automatic Calibre 332, distinguished by its attractive red gilt finish. The movement has been fully inspected and regulated by our watchmaker to ensure reliable performance. The watch is fitted with a quality leather strap from Bulang and sons and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. An appealing example of Omega's mid-century design language—please enquire for further details! Specifications: Omega Dresswatch reference 2493-5 36 mm gold-plated case with steel screw down case back Movement no. 1230xxxx dating to 1950 Rare black honeycomb dial with applied numerals and small seconds Automatic Calibre 332, hammer automatic Dauphine hands Comes on a Bulang and Sons strap Fully checked by our watchmaker

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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