Wow! Fantastic pair The " Solar " version on the left I've never seen before, it looks amazing....so a big double dibs from me!
Both of the 8-day desk clocks at the top of this thread have of course 59-8D SCS movements. Dating from the early to mid-1950s, Ref 5509. The dial on the left clock shows both Omega and Türler (an important Zurich retailer): a similar version appears in AJTT. Black Chinese lacquer with gold and blue decorations. The dial on the right is marked ‘MARE OCEANO’ and ‘Tropicus Cancri’ and the ‘official’ description is that is depicts the ocean with radiating points of the compass with mermaids, whales and galleons; on one shore a lady waves adieu, on the other shore two men erect a cross. However, I have been told that the dial actually shows Columbus, together with three of his ships (Nina, Pinta and the Santa Maria), and the lady on the right shore is Queen Isabella. But I have nothing to confirm this. Also of interest are the initials JPM (right at the bottom, just in front of the lady waving), which are the initials of Jean-Pierre Matthey-Claudet (of Tourbillon fame). Below is another ‘big black dial, this time Ref.5506. This is the most common version of the 59-8D SCS, with various different colours used for the dial. According to AJTT, the ‘pierced decoration’ of these clocks was hand-cut by Jean-Pierre Matthey-Claudet, who is credited with designing the first tourbillon wristwatch in 1947, the Omega 30I. What is sadly not documented (as far as I know) is how JPM moved from his work on the tourbillon to hand-cutting the dials for the Ref.5506 or designing the Mare Oceano. And is there anything to confirm the Columbus story? Another 8-day movement which was produced in 1947 was the 42.9 8-D which also appeared as a desk clock (not a jump-second movement). The Mare Oceano dial also appeared on this clock (still with the JPM signature). This dial is shown below. There were other dials that appeared on the 42.9, one (I believe for the US market) which showed a windmill, another showing two galleons. Any information on the Columbus story or the involvement of Jean-Pierre Matthey-Claudet would be appreciated. Tom
Still hoping that someone can throw more light on either the involvement of Jean-Pierre Matthey-Claudet in the 59-8D dial development or the possible Columbus story behind Mare Oceano…
Very cool and interesting dial variations on those clocks. I haven't seen them before. Have you sent an enquiry to the Omega museum? They may be able to shed some light on your questions. Cheers, Tony C.
I don’t know the origin of this advertisement – but it was reproduced in the 2007 Omegamania sale catalogue. Tom
This is another 58-8D SCS, Ref 5506 but rather unusual being in a ‘silver-coloured’ case: I assume it’s stainless steel. Omega describes this clock as being in a ‘polished gold-plated case’ – this one isn’t! Tom