Vintage Omega CK 2537-3 "Fab Suisse" dial (c. 1947)
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This vintage Omega 2537-3, with a unique FAB SUISSE dial, is a charming example from the late 40's (serial 11 million), and wears beautifully with its compact 36mm diameter case.
As a result of France's "Consumer Protection law" introduced in 1892, all non-French made products were legally required to be marked clearly as such. Consider this to be one of the earliest of the "buy local" movements.
Many Swiss-made watches were subject to this requirement, particularly through the 1930's - 1960's. These watches were therefore stamped with the "FAB SUISSE" text squarely on the dial as a "customs label" of sorts, in order to indicate to the French consumer that they were, in fact, buying a non-French product.
As a collector myself, these are the kinds of details I get excited about, as they place a watch in a very specific location and time. These peculiarities, often rare and sought-after, bring an extra element of story and charm to the collecting hobby. This vintage Omega is no exception, and would be a great addition to any collection.
Read more here. In this excellent blog post, the mystery of these unique dials was expertly researched, and (only recently) uncovered by Jeff Stein of the prolific On the Dash blog. Hats off to Jeff!
CONDITION AND SPECS
The original radium lume has aged evenly across the dial into a dark green/brown. When looking closely under sunlight, the grey dial has a cool speckling patina effect, that gives the watch unique character. There is a faint blemish on the upper right segment of the dial between the 1 and 2 o'clock hour markers. Mounted on the watch is an Omega stamped crown, and winds like butter.
Despite a normal amount of wear on the steel case, consistent with what is expected for a watch of 75 years, it is in overall excellent condition. The case may been polished at some point, but not over-polished as the details of the original contoured edges on the side of the case are still presenting beautifully.
The hands appear to be original, and the lume on the minute and hour hand appear to have been tastefully painted black within the confines of the lume plots. The original second hand shines blue when in the right light.
Production Year: c. 1947
Case Diameter: 36mm
Case Thickness: 11.5
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Manual Wind, Cal 283
Lug Width: 18mm
Dial: Grey
Crystal: Plexiglass
Strap: Brand new grey alligator leather from Hirsch (long end: 117mm, short end: 79mm)
Service History: Unknown. running as it should.
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