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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer

Omega Automatic Chronometer Centenary Ref. 2499

Partially verified

This Omega "Centenary" is a men's automatic chronometer wristwatch in 18K yellow gold, produced circa 1948 to commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary. It is designated as reference 2499 and houses a caliber 343 movement. The case measures 33mm in diameter and features an engraving on the case back related to the Norman M. Morris Corp. The dial is finished in gold with an applied Breguet numeral at the 12 o'clock position, faceted indices, and dauphine hands. The watch is accompanied by its original inner and outer boxes, an Omega brown alligator leather strap, and an 18K yellow gold tang buckle. The auction description notes the model was manufactured in limited quantities and preceded the development of the Constellation line.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold Omega Centenary, showing the Breguet numeral, dauphine hands, and sub-seconds dial.
Front view of the 18K yellow gold Omega Centenary, showing the Breguet numeral, dauphine hands, and sub-seconds dial. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic chronometer
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
2499
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1948
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
11XXXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 33mm. The auction description states the case is in well-preserved condition with minimal signs of polishing and retains the original branded crown. The case back bears an inscription commemorating a tenure from 1931 to 1950 associated with the Norman M. Morris Corp, alongside an 18K gold hallmark.

The dial is gold-toned and features enameled printing. It is distinguished by a single applied Breguet numeral at the 12 o'clock position, accompanied by faceted markers and gold dauphine hands. The sub-seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position and features a finely textured, circular guilloché pattern.

Evidence for this section
  • “The sophisticated and classic 18K yellow gold case remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition for its age”
  • “The case back features a lovely engraving that reads "B.G. Anderson, a token of many years of pleasant association, Norman M. Morris Corp, 1931-1950”
  • “The original gold dial features an ornate set of markers a single Breguet numeral for the 12 o'clock marker and enameled printing and text.”

Movement and Chronometer Certification

The Centenary is noted as the first automatic chronometer produced by Omega. It was developed to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary, establishing it as an important transition in Omega's horological history.

The watch is equipped with the caliber 343 movement, which serves as the automatic chronometer engine for this reference. The success of this movement and the Centenary platform is identified in the source as the precursor to the Omega Constellation model line.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Centenary was the first automatic chronometer created by Omega and was created in celebration of the brand's 100th anniversary”
  • “The model ended up being so successful that Omega started working on a successor to the Centenary almost immediately, which would later become the iconic Constellation model line.”

Accessories and Provenance

The watch is offered with its original box set, consisting of both inner and outer components. Additionally, it includes an Omega 2-piece alligator leather strap fitted with an 18K yellow gold tang buckle, which is identified as the original equipment for the watch.

The engraving on the case back provides specific historical context regarding the recipient, B.G. Anderson, and their association with the Norman M. Morris Corporation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes with its original inner and outer boxes.”
  • “The watch comes supplied on its original 2pc Omega brown alligator leather strap with the original 18K yellow gold tang buckle.”
  • “The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year of the serial number 11XXXXXX?
  • Did the Norman M. Morris Corporation play a specific role in the distribution of this reference in the United States?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Automatic Chronometer Centenary Ref. 2499
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandOmega“Brand Omega”
Reference2499“Model 2499”
Material18K Yellow Gold“Material 18K Yellow Gold”
Serial11XXXXXX“Serial 11XXXXXX”
Diameter33mm“Millimeters 33”
Dial detailGold dial with Breguet numeral at 12“The original gold dial features an ornate set of markers a single Breguet numeral for the 12 o'clock marker”
MovementCaliber 343“Cal. 343”
OriginCentenary model“The Centenary was the first automatic chronometer created by Omega and was created in celebration of the brand's 100th anniversary”

Visible details

  • Applied Breguet numeral at 12 o'clock
  • Sub-seconds dial with concentric circular guilloché
  • Dauphine-style hour and minute hands
  • Case back engraving mentioning Norman M. Morris Corp

Research qualifications

  • Specific production date is listed as 1948 in the title and 1931-1950 in the engraving, requiring clarification of original sale date
  • Serial number is partially redacted in source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Omega کرونومتر اتوماتیک Centenary طلای ۱۸ عیار رفرنس 2499

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e60952edf0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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