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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch

Omega Dress Watch Reference 2438-3

Partially verified

This vintage Omega wristwatch, dating to the 1940s, features a stainless steel case with a 33 mm diameter and pronounced lugs. The silver dial exhibits an aged patina and is adorned with Roman numeral indices interspersed with radium-lumed plots. The timepiece displays time via syringe-style hands and a central blued-steel seconds hand. The case back is of a screw-down construction. It is fitted with a handmade two-piece leather strap. According to the provided information, the watch is currently functional, though its specific maintenance history is undocumented.

Front view of the Omega reference 2438-3 wristwatch featuring a silver dial.
Front view of the Omega reference 2438-3 wristwatch featuring a silver dial. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
2438-3
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1944
Source-reported place
سوئیس

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 a 33 mm stainless steel case characterized by pronounced, elongated lugs that provide a distinct aesthetic profile. The case back utilizes a screw-down design to secure the internal components. The crown, noted for lacking the Omega insignia, is suggested by the provided records as potentially original to the timepiece.

The silver-toned dial has developed a uniform patina indicative of its age. The hour markers consist of applied Roman numerals placed at intervals, alternating with small radium lume plots. Time is indicated by a set of syringe-style hands, complemented by a central blued-steel seconds hand that provides a contrast against the aged surface of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب استیل ساعت با قطر ۳۳ میلی‌متر دارای پایه‌های کشیده و برجسته (pronounced lugs) است”
  • “درب پشت ساعت از نوع پیچی بوده و تاج ساعت بدون نشان امگا است”
  • “صفحه نقره‌ای با گذر زمان پتینه‌ای یکدست به خود گرفته”
  • “عقربه‌های اصیل مدل سرنگی (Syringe) به همراه عقربه ثانیه‌شمار مرکزی آبی‌رنگ بلود (Blued)”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece is driven by the Omega calibre 350, an automatic movement that features a 'bumper' winding mechanism. This system represents an early iteration of self-winding technology for the manufacturer, operating through a weight that oscillates against springs on either side rather than rotating in a full circle.

This mechanism is a significant feature of 1940s Omega movements, marking a developmental stage in mechanical watchmaking prior to the standardization of 360-degree rotors. The movement remains functional as of the latest inspection, though the specific service history is not documented in the provided source records.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور اتوماتیک کالیبر 350 از نوع ضربه‌ای یا بامپر قرار دارد”
  • “این کالیبرها به جای چرخش نامحدود، دارای وزنه‌ای بودند که با حرکت دست میان فنرهای دو طرف نوسان می‌کرد و ساعت را کوک می‌نمود”
  • “ساعت در حال حاضر کارکرد دارد و زمان را نگه می‌دارد”

Condition and Authenticity

According to the provided description, the case displays minor signs of previous wear and subtle indications of prior polishing.

The watch is accompanied by a handmade two-piece leather strap. There are no original boxes or historical papers included with this item. All technical specifications and assessments regarding authenticity are based on the vendor’s provided data rather than an independent verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت دارای آثار خفیف استفاده قبلی و شواهدی اندک از پولیش گذشته است”
  • “وضعیت صفحه و عقربه‌ها در بررسی زیر نور فرابنفش مطلوب ارزیابی شده”
  • “کلیه مشخصات فنی، جزئیات اصالت قطعات و توضیحات ارائه‌شده صرفاً بر پایه داده‌های ثبت‌شده توسط فروشنده و منبع کاتالوگ گردآوری شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production serial number range for the calibre 350 movement in reference 2438-3?
  • To what extent is the current crown configuration consistent with other documented examples of reference 2438-3 from the 1940s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Dress Watch Reference 2438-3
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerOmega“کمپانی امگا (Omega)”
Reference2438-3“رفرنس 2438-3”
Case MaterialStainless steel“قاب استیل ضدزنگ”
Movement TypeBumper automatic“موتور اتوماتیک کالیبر 350 از نوع ضربه‌ای یا بامپر”
Dial detailsRoman numerals and radium plots“نشانگرهای عددی رومی در کنار نقاط شب‌تاب رادیومی”
Hand styleSyringe“عقربه‌های اصیل مدل سرنگی (Syringe)”
Case diameter33 mm“قطر ۳۳ میلی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Silver dial displays uniform patina from age
  • Hands are syringe-style with blued-steel central seconds
  • Case features elongated lugs
  • Crown lacks brand insignia

Research qualifications

  • Crown might be a replacement rather than the original factory component
  • Exact service history is currently undocumented

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی امگا Omega Dress Watch رفرنس 2438-3 با موتور بامپر

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a59a2cca87

Terms in this record

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

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