CIRCA: 1950s
CASE MATERIAL: Gold plated
CASE DIAMETER: 37.5 mm.
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph
CLASP: Unsigned steel buckle
BOX: No
PAPERS: No

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Lot Essay

Created in 1933 by Lémania, the manually wound chronograph calibre 33.3 CHRO is one of Omega’s most iconic movements. It was initially designed for single button chronographs, however in 1938 a version with two pushers was introduced. Very reliable an precise, the cal. 33.3 CHRO was in production until 1952, used in a variety of case materials and shapes.

The present chronograph ref. 2393 is distinguished by its large size case with elongated slim facetted lugs and the attractive two-tone silvered dial with blue telemetre scale calibrated for 20 km.

Telemetre scales are used to measure the distance of an occurrence which is both visible and audible. The chronograph hand is released at the instant the phenomenon is seen and stopped when the sound is heard, its position on the scale showing the distance in kilometres or miles separating the event from the observer.

This feature was most notably used for military purposes, where artillery forces can judge the distance of bombs that they are firing - or that are being fired at them. A civil use of the telemetre scale may include the judging of how far away a storm is by activating the chronograph when one sees the lightning flash. When hearing the thunder, the hand is stopped and shows the wearer the distance of the approaching storm.

A stainless steel ref. 2393 also with telemetre scale is described and illustrated in Omega – A Journey Through Time by Marco Richon, p. 538, pl. 2549, Calibre 33.3 CHRO on p. 532.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The dial is nice, clean and original, only minor spotting in places. Has been previously restored. The hands are slightly oxidised. The case is also oxidized, with dents and scratches. The case back with scratches. The chronograph pushers are a bit rubbed, the crown is a later replacement. The movement is in working order at the time of cataloguing, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended.

The watch is sold and delivered with a Christie's branded strap, the original strap is not included in the sale.
The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

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