Community Stories

Antique 1930s Art Deco style dial and Omega font and logo query

T
Posts
20
Likes
15
Hi there - bit of a long-winded subject line... 😀
Wondered if there is anyone out there knowledgeable in this area...?!

So I've seen this lovely art deco-style rectangle watch in a local watchmakers.

And there is curiously what looks like an applied Omega name on the dial.

Now I can't find any other reference to this font used for Omega other than a very old advert for a watch release.
However, there is info on the Omega logo itself being used first back in the 1930s.
Although I have seen other vintage / antique Omega watches that have used other fonts for the Omega name.

When the dial is examined it looks under a loupe that the Omega name is applied in the same ink/paint/application (or same material used) as the numerals and doesn't look (very) later applied.
But it does not look like it should be Omega.

Also to the watchmaker, the movement is the same type as a vintage pocket watch of that period so unmarked with no brand but distinctly Omega to him.

Finally, the case is a silver mix with a hallmark, as you will see in the pics.

Now, this is a generation apart from what I am used to researching however I have recently got into art deco style dials so this is interesting to me.

Be great to hear anyone's thoughts on this on the dial, case, movement etc...

Many thanks!
 
IMG_7361.JPG IMG_7457.JPG IMG_7458.JPG IMG_7460.JPG
cristos71
Posts
7,344
Likes
33,962
You're correct in identifying this version of the Omega logo as being both correct and from the 1930's. More often seen on clocks and in advertising than watches IMHO. Here a heavy shop window chronometre with the logo in recessed enamel.

As for your watch I have extreme doubts that this is an original dial. It looks hand drawn to me. The case also shows no Omega hallmarks so isn't factory. You mention that the movement is also not signed Omega, then I would suggest this watch has nothing at all to do with Omega except it has a similar design to some of their 1930's offerings.

Omega..png
 
purechaos78
Posts
35
Likes
49
T thephil
I have recently got into art deco style dials

I am also a huge fan of the ceco period; the architecture especially! After doing a bit of googling, I could not come up with any other references similar to the one you posted. I'd have to agree with @cristos71. Keep us updated if you make any discoveries.
 
Fulton8or
Posts
123
Likes
224
Movement scan would have helped. Here is a movement scan of my art deco period Omega PW
fabricated in Geneva, same logo on the movement.
OmegaPWdial.jpg OmegaPWsellermvmt.jpg
 
Fulton8or
Posts
123
Likes
224
Apologies for second post, memory fails these days... That style of dial is generally referred to as an Exploding dial. All the Omega wrists from that period with similar dials that I've seen have logos similar to the face of my PW.
 
byunjoe
Posts
224
Likes
411
I'm definitely inexperienced with this era of Omega but the logo on the dial on OP's watch does look repainted as well. The exploding numerals look fine but the logo is highly suspect. I always assumed Omega had used the italicized OMEGA logo, not the stylized one used for marketing materials. Perhaps it could've been a very, very early service dial?
 
sheepdoll
Posts
2,347
Likes
3,746
IMG_3267.png
I have only ever seen the 'swept' omega logo on the movement or dust covers. I do like it and think it would look good on the dial. The OP watch looks more like a 1970s retro knockoff.

I have been thinking of possibly recreating some of the dial face fonts. An old project. Used to have some font making tools that ran on X-Windows should see if I can resurrect these programs. I clicked on this thread thinking that would be the contents, comparing the different fonts used on the logos and the dial numbers.
Edited:
 
Syrte
Posts
7,597
Likes
21,788
I don’t know about Omegas but I’ve seen a lot of fake Longines from Ukraine from that era and style— specifically with 1920s exploding dials and mostly tonneau cases. A new way of recycling authentic movements without having to fake a modern watch I suspect.

Now of course one may want to support Ukrainian watchmakers. I did so buy purchasing a couple Vostok watches, even though the prices are much lower than for a marriage watch with a Swiss manufacture movement.
 
T
Posts
20
Likes
15
Fulton8or Fulton8or
Apologies for second post, memory fails these days... That style of dial is generally referred to as an Exploding dial. All the Omega wrists from that period with similar dials that I've seen have logos similar to the face of my PW.
yeah agree, thanks for your reply. I had only seen examples with that omega logo too.
on your q about the movement, it was yellow, just with no omega markings or name anywhere.

I do think this has nothing to do with Omega as well. Shame they added it really as i would've preferred it with the exploding dial on its own.
 
T
Posts
20
Likes
15
Syrte Syrte
I don’t know about Omegas but I’ve seen a lot of fake Longines from Ukraine from that era and style— specifically with 1920s exploding dials and mostly tonneau cases. A new way of recycling authentic movements without having to fake a modern watch I suspect.

Now of course one may want to support Ukrainian watchmakers. I did so buy purchasing a couple Vostok watches, even though the prices are much lower than for a marriage watch with a Swiss manufacture movement.

Thats an interesting point - I've seen quite a few from Hungary too but on these, as I'm liking some of the designs I'm keeping an open mind on the recycling... cheers!
 
T
Posts
20
Likes
15
cristos71 cristos71
You're correct in identifying this version of the Omega logo as being both correct and from the 1930's. More often seen on clocks and in advertising than watches IMHO. Here a heavy shop window chronometre with the logo in recessed enamel.

As for your watch I have extreme doubts that this is an original dial. It looks hand drawn to me. The case also shows no Omega hallmarks so isn't factory. You mention that the movement is also not signed Omega, then I would suggest this watch has nothing at all to do with Omega except it has a similar design to some of their 1930's offerings.

Omega..png
Hi -thanks for the reply.
I agree that i don't think it has anything to do with Omega and has been painted/drawn on. Shame imo as the dial itself is nice without it and doesn't need the association!
Cheers 😀
 
T
Posts
20
Likes
15
sheepdoll sheepdoll
IMG_3267.png
I have only ever seen the 'swept' omega logo on the movement or dust covers. I do like it and think it would look good on the dial. The OP watch looks more like a 1970s retro knockoff.

I have been thinking of possibly recreating some of the dial face fonts. An old project. Used to have some font making tools that ran on X-Windows should see if I can resurrect these programs. I clicked on this thread thinking that would be the contents, comparing the different fonts used on the logos and the dial numbers.

Hi - yeah sorry was hard to articulate the subject query matter - wish it was comparing the dial fonts and logos over time - I've not seen anything online on that, just reference to some print editions from a few years ago!

The Omega logo addition spoils it really. I feel the dial with the numerals is original and dare I suggest correct to the period, but what they were thinking adding the Omega on it. Its actually not a bad effort at copying it either - spacing and layout etc - but just wrong overall and looks like a knockoff for sure as a result.

A recreation of the old fonts would be cool to see. Digital ones at least - could offer a few for apple watch faces - apologies if that offends anyone on here (i don't even have an apple watch) but if i did i'd be up for some vintage watch faces to skin it with...

Cheers!
 
Dan S
Posts
20,113
Likes
46,772
Any idea what kind of movement is in the watch?
 
Deafboy
Posts
2,278
Likes
6,536
The watch in the OP's picture appears to have fixed wire lugs. Wouldn't that indicate a 1910's or early 1920's watch?

Also the crown and crescent hallmarks indicate a German case.
 
DaveK
Posts
4,781
Likes
14,318
I saw this at auction the other day. I’ve seen the logo font in advertising, but never on a watch. Very cool


7CA6D13B-85A1-4708-924E-76E6ECDCB70C.jpeg 90840096-02D9-4DC2-A1F2-0C008AFF387D.jpeg 73E1353D-9257-4D70-9895-278D81DB60F7.jpeg
 
Fulton8or
Posts
123
Likes
224
I stand corrected, now I've seen a PW with the stylized Omega script on the dial!
 
DaveK
Posts
4,781
Likes
14,318
Fulton8or Fulton8or
I stand corrected, now I've seen a PW with the stylized Omega script on the dial!

sold for $100 Plus auction fees, I would have enjoyed having it
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

OllieOnTheRocks

1944 Omega Suveran Ref 2400 with black dial and lume numerals

OllieOnTheRocks Private Watch Sales
OllieOnTheRocks
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
4
Views
4K
shishy

1930s Art Deco Movado

shishy Private Watch Sales
shishy
shishy
Posts
1
Views
2K
PlainVanilla

Omega Seamaster - A guide to special dials

PlainVanilla Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Vanallard
Vanallard
Posts
288
Views
66K
bardamu

SOLD Omega Euroos 1934 Art Déco sector dial

bardamu Private Watch Sales
bardamu
bardamu
Posts
1
Views
3K
Vintage

Omega Foibos CK 785/ 1934 fancy and sought after Art Deco model

Vintage Private Watch Sales
Vintage
Vintage
Posts
0
Views
4K
Vintage

Omega T 17 Art Deco watch

Vintage Private Watch Sales
dougiedude
dougiedude
Posts
2
Views
4K