At this time, we’ll have a look at a captivating little Omega CK976. It’s a beautiful watch on the surface, however the interior workings are simply as notable if no more so. This tank from 1939 is provided with the caliber T17, a motion worthy of a spot in anybody’s classic assortment.
When contemplating classic Omega watches and their actions, calibers 30T2 and 321 are likely to dominate the narrative. It is smart to some extent as a result of the previous was a rock-solid motion that soldiered on for many years. The 321 went to the Moon and has staged a profitable comeback in recent times. There are different notable actions within the model’s historical past, and the T17 is definitely amongst them. This motion discovered its means into smaller tank watches, which maybe explains its exclusion from mainstream discussions. Whatever the rationale, let’s carry it again into focus inside a beautiful CK976 from 1939.
The Omega CK976
My current foray into watches from the ’30s by means of the ’50s has been an awakening. I’ve been launched to many manufacturers that I beforehand ignored and a plethora of actions. Watches like immediately’s Omega CK976 are very completely different from what I collected lower than a yr in the past, however they’re extremely worthwhile. Unimaginable circumstances, pretty dials, and oddly dependable mechanical actions have been my expertise up to now. So far as giving these little gems wrist time, I’ve opened my thoughts to carrying a special watch model and am having fun with the newly discovered selection. As a consequence of its minuscule dimension, this Omega received’t be for everybody, however it’s value a glance.
Caliber T17
It’s generally believed that Omega’s caliber T17 was launched in 1934 and designed by Charles Perregaux. The identify is derived from its tonneau form and 17mm width. This elongated caliber is a pretty 25mm-long 15-jewel (17-jewel variations exist) motion with a number of plates. It additionally boasts an outsized barrel with a mainspring affording it a 60-hour energy reserve. In fact, the 18,000vph frequency aids this as nicely. To focus on the importance of this motion, it took Omega till 2007 with its in-house-designed caliber 8500 to succeed in this stage of energy reserve once more. The motion was profitable in tank-style watches as Omega produced greater than 140,000 of them till 1943.
Myriad kinds
The T17 discovered a house in lots of case designs from Omega. “Staybrite” metal, an early stainless alloy, was accessible alongside 14K and 18K gold. A publish on Omega Boards incorporates some nice classic catalog images with a wide range of selections together with their costs. It was after looking out by means of this publish and a number of other previous public sale heaps that I used to be in a position to hone in on the reference quantity for the piece I bought. I’m joyful to be corrected by the specialists concerning the reference quantity, however I’ve concluded that a number of dial variants have been housed inside a case design with the CK976 identify.
The Omega CK976 is a tank-styled watch with a 20mm × 36mm Staybrite case. It’s not a big watch by any means, however it’s a considerable little nugget. Together with the domed acrylic crystal, it is available in at 8.5mm thick and options polished case flanks with chamfers all the way in which round. The highest of the case shows vertical brushing and curves downward because it approaches the 16mm-spaced lugs. Essentially the most distinctive element is the polished and raised bezel across the crystal. It’s not a separate piece, and it seems to be like an image body. As an apart, I’ve seen comparable circumstances on Longines watches from the identical period.
Case particulars
The Omega CK976 might look easy, however it’s spectacular. When viewing the watch from the again, barely perceptible shut traces are seen in entrance of every lug. They’re so tight that I questioned whether or not I might open the snap case utilizing the lip on the 6 o’clock aspect. It wasn’t straightforward, however that’s a great signal for a watch of this age. Opening the case again presents a standard situation for watches from this era. The dial and motion sit inside a small “tub” hooked up to the case again. We will see that the within of the case again has an engine-turned end and incorporates a serial quantity that I used to this point this watch to 1939.
It’s easy (although maybe barely unorthodox) to extract the dial from the case again by pinching the corners of the dial and lifting. We’ll come to the dial design and arms in a second. I selected to not take a motion image from my look ahead to one major cause. The Omega CK976 makes use of a mud cowl surrounding the motion like a second snap case, and I used to be cautious of holding the dial tightly whereas making an attempt to prise it open. The mud cowl does have one gap on its bottom to permit easy accessibility to the regulator lever, which is useful.
A pristine and compact dial
The Omega CK976 dial makes do splendidly with surprisingly little actual property at hand. The styling is decidedly Artwork Deco with its sector format and alternating shades of colour. Robust italicized black numerals encompass the dial in live performance with black traces on the quarter hours. On many T17-equipped watches, the sub-seconds dial pierces the central rectangular space. Right here, although, it’s separate. The blued arms are refined however proceed to hold the Artwork Deco torch with an “Empire State Constructing” form. General, the design is completely symmetrical, a trait that tank-style watches carry off higher than spherical fashions.
Earlier than we transfer on, it’s value noting that the dial on this Omega CK976 is in distinctive situation. It could look tough out of the case, however the seen portion counts. The dial exhibits getting older, however there is no such thing as a staining, and, fortunately, it has not been refinished. Some good “tells” on originality when watches like this are the standard and consistency of the printing. Refinished dials usually lose the plot in areas just like the minute observe or the sub-dial. Moreover, the Omega emblem and font are high quality, skinny, and proper for the interval. Observe the dearth of “Swiss Made” on the backside of the dial. Earlier than buying the watch, I did loads of net sleuthing whereas speaking to Balazs and Robert-Jan. The whole lot pointed to the omission not being a problem.
Buying and receiving the Omega CK976
I bought the Omega CK976 by way of a contact within the Czech Republic (I’ll fortunately add his identify if he consents!). He determined to promote the watch as a result of it was not getting loads of wrist time. We agreed on a worth of roughly €1,000, and the watch made its solution to me. I used to be excited to obtain it, and, as with all buy, I had some preconceived notions. Upon opening the field, two particulars instantly got here to thoughts. First, the watch was in beautiful situation. Second, it was small in comparison with the opposite already small tank watches I had purchased.
I’ll spend no time making an attempt to persuade anybody that this watch wears bigger than its dimensions as a result of it doesn’t! It’s small, however it doesn’t really feel delicate in any respect. Maybe the very best comparability I could make is to a Cartier Tank Normale, which, at 23mm × 30mm, feels even smaller however nonetheless has some presence. The development of this Omega is a factor of magnificence, and it feels reassuring on the wrist. Then, there’s the T17, which is an utter pleasure to wind and reside with. Sure, I modify my watches often, however the 60-hour energy reserve in such an previous watch has added a bizarre twist of practicality. It additionally occurs to maintain time very nicely, averaging a minute of acquire after a number of days.
Closing takeaways
Whereas I could not have added new historic factors concerning the Omega CK976 and its T17 caliber, it’s the primary time we’ve coated one in every of these watches on Fratello. For many who wrestle with the dimensions of this watch however are intrigued by the motion, longer variations exist. With a little bit of endurance, they are often discovered for cheap costs. Like many watches from this era, if the design and dimension are of curiosity to you, there’s an immense quantity of worth on the desk.