A rare circa 1906 "right-handed" wristwatch by Omega in solid 18k gold with fancy enamel dial and unique layout with winding crown located at 9:00. In the early 1900's, before the left wrist had been firmly established as the standard for everyday wear of a wrist worn timepiece, companies produced a small number of "right-handed" watches to meet the desires of the so called "left-handed" client. These incredibly small and delicate timepieces (compared to the then pervasive pocket watch) were of course the newest and most fashionable form of wearing time available, therefore only affordable by the wealthiest of families. For a short period time, especially for fashion conscious women, the right hand was the wrist of choice.
This example is particularly beautiful, with fancy gold highlighted dial, intricate hands and exquisitely executed, hand carved engraving on the back. Originally sold in South America, the custom dial shows a rudimentary looking Omega symbol at 12:00 (typical of these very early Omega examples) then the name L. Stierlen, Lima a famous Omega retailer who would have custom ordered this watch from Switzerland. This timepiece is in spectacular all original condition, has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is in excellent working condition, keeping great time. At over 100 years old and considering the scarcity of wristwatches in general during this time period, this example is a true rarity and an important historical artifact from the famed house of Omega.
Style: Early Wristwatch
Circa: 1907
Case: Solid 18k gold 4-piece case with hinged bezel, back and inner dust cover. Fully signed and hallmarked with rudimentary quadruple ring wire lugs and original winding crown locate at 9:00 for ease of winding while wearing the watch on your right wrist. Beautiful engraved insignia on the back cover. Measures 28mm in diameter and in beautiful cosmetic condition with no dings or dents.
Dial: Original factory made custom enamel dial with outer minute dots in gold with simple Arabic numbers, signed with the Omega symbol then L. Stierlen, Lima, the name of the original retailer. Superb condition with no hairline cracks or chips.
Movement: Rare early Omega stem-set manual wind 15 jewel movement, signed under the dial with the Omega insignia and a 2 million series serial number dating it to 1907. Some light corrosion on the ratchet wheel but otherwise in great shape, fully serviced by our watchmaker and in keeping excellent time.