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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Observatory chronometer

Omega Observatory Chronometer Calibre 60.8

Partially verified

This large open-face observatory chronometer measures 74 mm in diameter and is cased in chrome-plated brass with a glazed screw-down back. According to auction records, the watch dates to circa 1930 and is powered by the 60.8 mm half-plate calibre, fitted with a 24 mm Guillaume gold screw compensation balance and a blued balance spring with a Phillips terminal curve. The white enamel dial features black Arabic numerals, an outer railway minute track, blued steel hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The source states this movement competed in the 1930 Neuchâtel Observatory timing trials.

Frontal view of the Omega Calibre 60.8 observatory chronometer dial and case
Frontal view of the Omega Calibre 60.8 observatory chronometer dial and case — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Observatory chronometer
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
156
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
6999766

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

Technical Configuration

This large open-face observatory chronometer is powered by the Omega 60.8 calibre, a half-plate movement produced as part of a limited series of 88 pieces between 1925 and 1930. The movement is specified to include a 24 mm Guillaume gold screw compensation balance paired with a blued balance spring featuring a terminal curve.

The timepiece is housed in a 74 mm chrome-plated brass case, which features a glazed screwed back. The watch, identified by movement number 6999766, weighs approximately 318 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: 1/2 plate movement, 24mm Guillaume gold screw compensation balance, blued balance spring with terminal curve by Philipps.”
  • “Dimensions 74 mm, circa 1930, Weight 318 g”
  • “Case: Brass, chrome-plated, glazed screwed back.”

Dial and Visual Observations

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and an outer railway minute track. Branding includes the Omega name and Greek letter logo printed in black below the 12 o'clock position.

Timekeeping is indicated by blued steel spade hour and pointer minute hands, supplemented by a counterbalanced subsidiary seconds hand within a sunken register at 6 o'clock. A fluted gold-toned winding crown is positioned within a round bow at 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with painted black Arabic hour numerals and an outer railway minute track.”
  • “Omega brand name and Greek letter logo printed in black below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Blued steel spade hour hand, pointer minute hand, and counterbalanced subsidiary seconds hand.”

Observatory Provenance

According to source-reported data, this movement participated in the 1930 Neuchâtel Observatory 'Chronomètres de Bord' competition, where it achieved an average daily rate deviation of 0.11 seconds. The movement's regulator is identified as Gottlob Ith in Biel.

The lot includes a certified copy of the original Bulletin de Marche from the Neuchâtel Observatory, dated 15 May 1930.

Evidence for this section
  • “In 1930, this Omega chronometer movement took part in the Neuchâtel Observatory’s "Chronomètres de Bord" chronometer competition”
  • “The regulator was Gottlob Ith in Biel.”
  • “With certified copy of the original Bulletin de Marche de l'Observatoire Astronomique et Chronométrique de Neuchâtel, dated 15 May 1930”

Open research questions

  • What is the physical condition of the glazed screw-down back, which is not shown in the provided frontal imagery?
  • Does the current physical state of the movement (reported as 'capable of running') align with the historical rating of 0.11 seconds deviation?
  • Are there any identifying marks or engravings on the chrome-plated brass case interior that correspond to the movement serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Observatory Chronometer Calibre 60.8
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CalibreCal. 60.8“Cal. 60.8”
Movement Number6999766“Movm. No. 6999766”
Dimensions74 mm“Dimensions 74 mm”
Case MaterialChrome-plated brass“Brass, chrome-plated, glazed screwed back.”
Dial MaterialEnamel“Dial: Enamel.”
Balance24mm Guillaume gold screw compensation balance“24mm Guillaume gold screw compensation balance”
RegulatorGottlob Ith in Biel“The regulator was Gottlob Ith in Biel.”
Series Scope88 pieces“A large observatory chronometer from a small series of 88 pieces”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with painted black Arabic hour numerals and an outer railway minute track.
  • Blued steel spade hour hand, pointer minute hand, and counterbalanced subsidiary seconds hand.
  • Fluted gold-toned winding crown within a round bow at 12 o'clock.
  • Sunken sub-seconds dial marked with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals up to 60.
  • Omega brand name and Greek letter logo printed in black below 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and glazed screw back are reported by the source catalogue but not visible in the supplied frontal photograph.
  • Historical participation in the 1930 Neuchâtel Observatory contest and regulator attribution are source-reported.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Omega - Observatory Chronometer

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record e147a33e9b

Terms in this record

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