An exceptional late-1950s Omega, and a watch that immediately explains why the best examples of the manufacture’s oversized dress watches have become so desirable.
Dating to 1959, this is an Omega reference 2890-4, housed in a beautifully proportioned 36mm stainless steel case. That measurement is important. While 36mm may sound restrained by modern standards, it was genuinely large for a dress watch of this period, when many comparable Omegas measured around 32–34mm. The reference 2890 is consequently often described as a “Jumbo” Omega, with surviving examples documented at 36mm and fitted with the calibre 267.
This example is elevated considerably by its extraordinary copper-toned dial. The colour is superb, a warm salmon/copper shade that changes character depending on the light, and is complemented beautifully by the applied gold Omega emblem, raised hour markers and distinctive applied Arabic numeral at 12.
The dial architecture is wonderfully clean. A fine outer minute track surrounds the expansive dial, while the large subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock gives the watch the balanced proportions associated with Omega’s finest mid-century designs. Most striking are the long gold dauphine hands, their sharply pointed form stretching dramatically across the dial and providing a perfect contrast against the copper background.
The combination of the Jumbo 36mm case, copper dial and gold furniture gives this particular watch enormous presence. The relatively narrow bezel means almost the entire diameter is given over to the dial, making it wear considerably larger than many vintage watches of the era.
At its heart is Omega’s celebrated calibre 267, a 17-jewel manually wound movement from the manufacture’s famous 30mm movement family. These movements are renowned for their straightforward, robust construction and were produced during one of the great periods of Omega mechanical watchmaking. Contemporary examples of reference 2890-4 confirm the pairing of the 36mm case with calibre 267 around 1959.
The serial number dates this example to 1959, placing it at the very end of a decade in which Omega produced some of its most elegant manually wound watches.
Condition is particularly impressive. The stainless steel case remains strong and beautifully defined, with the long, faceted lugs retaining the architecture that makes this reference so attractive. There are only the expected light signs of vintage use, with a few surface marks to the case back.
Most importantly, the watch presents as all original, with the remarkable copper dial, applied furniture and gold dauphine hands surviving together in superb condition. The dial is undoubtedly the defining feature and, combined with the unusually large case, transforms what would already be an attractive vintage Omega into something considerably more unusual.
The watch is fitted to a new aftermarket blue textured leather strap, a particularly effective pairing with the warmth of the copper dial and gold furniture.
Reference 2890 examples are scarce enough in their own right, and the market regularly identifies the model specifically as a Jumbo because of its unusual 36mm proportions. Finding one with a dial of this colour and quality is another matter entirely.
A superb 1959 Omega Jumbo, reference 2890-4, powered by the calibre 267, combining exceptional mid-century proportions with one of the most beautiful copper dials we have encountered. A fitting inclusion in our Grails Auction, and a vintage Omega that is considerably more special in the metal than its understated reference number might suggest.
An exceptional late-1950s Omega, and a watch that immediately explains why the best examples of the manufacture’s oversized dress watches have become so desirable.
Dating to 1959, this is an Omega reference 2890-4, housed in a beautifully proportioned 36mm stainless steel case. That measurement is important. While 36mm may sound restrained by modern standards, it was genuinely large for a dress watch of this period, when many comparable Omegas measured around 32–34mm. The reference 2890 is consequently often described as a “Jumbo” Omega, with surviving examples documented at 36mm and fitted with the calibre 267.
This example is elevated considerably by its extraordinary copper-toned dial. The colour is superb, a warm salmon/copper shade that changes character depending on the light, and is complemented beautifully by the applied gold Omega emblem, raised hour markers and distinctive applied Arabic numeral at 12.
The dial architecture is wonderfully clean. A fine outer minute track surrounds the expansive dial, while the large subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock gives the watch the balanced proportions associated with Omega’s finest mid-century designs. Most striking are the long gold dauphine hands, their sharply pointed form stretching dramatically across the dial and providing a perfect contrast against the copper background.
The combination of the Jumbo 36mm case, copper dial and gold furniture gives this particular watch enormous presence. The relatively narrow bezel means almost the entire diameter is given over to the dial, making it wear considerably larger than many vintage watches of the era.
At its heart is Omega’s celebrated calibre 267, a 17-jewel manually wound movement from the manufacture’s famous 30mm movement family. These movements are renowned for their straightforward, robust construction and were produced during one of the great periods of Omega mechanical watchmaking. Contemporary examples of reference 2890-4 confirm the pairing of the 36mm case with calibre 267 around 1959.
The serial number dates this example to 1959, placing it at the very end of a decade in which Omega produced some of its most elegant manually wound watches.
Condition is particularly impressive. The stainless steel case remains strong and beautifully defined, with the long, faceted lugs retaining the architecture that makes this reference so attractive. There are only the expected light signs of vintage use, with a few surface marks to the case back.
Most importantly, the watch presents as all original, with the remarkable copper dial, applied furniture and gold dauphine hands surviving together in superb condition. The dial is undoubtedly the defining feature and, combined with the unusually large case, transforms what would already be an attractive vintage Omega into something considerably more unusual.
The watch is fitted to a new aftermarket blue textured leather strap, a particularly effective pairing with the warmth of the copper dial and gold furniture.
Reference 2890 examples are scarce enough in their own right, and the market regularly identifies the model specifically as a Jumbo because of its unusual 36mm proportions. Finding one with a dial of this colour and quality is another matter entirely.
A superb 1959 Omega Jumbo, reference 2890-4, powered by the calibre 267, combining exceptional mid-century proportions with one of the most beautiful copper dials we have encountered. A fitting inclusion in our Grails Auction, and a vintage Omega that is considerably more special in the metal than its understated reference number might suggest.
