I have recently acquired a nice 1956 Century with a Cal. 284, in good original condition. I have just had the movement serviced and left the case in as found shape. The watch came from the Toronto area, complete with its original inner and outer box, open warranty and a brass price tab. I understand that Centurys were sold in several countries, however most appear to show up in Canada. I was wondering if any forum members had seen a box such as this before. Might it be a Canadian equivalent to the ubiquitous 1950's Norman Morris blue box. The lack of the FTI (Federal Tax Included) mark on the brass price tab also made me wonder if it was a Canadian item. This tab is made from a stiff piece of brass rather than foil. I would appreciate any thoughts and apologize for not posting earlier, however I am just getting the hang of posting photos. I have also included a advert for the Century watch from a 1952 Quebec magazine. It indicates that the Century was adjusted in 5 positions, which was not something I had ever seen or read. I wondered if for the very first Centurys perhaps this was the case. It seems odd.
In the era of your watch, the Canadian agency for Omega in Canada was Hatch and Company, located in Quebec City, P Q. FWIW.
I have a similar inner/outer box kicking around, I'll take a few pictures later. I've also got a set of those brass pricing tabs which are nice to play around with when I'm pretending to be a 1950's Omega dealer at home
I have seen their name before, but very little else. Do you have any additional information about Hatch and Co.? Thanks. My father-in-law is a retired research librarian in Quebec City. Perhaps I can get him to run down some leads in return for access to my beer fridge at the cottage.
I would very much appreciate you posting some pictures. Perhaps our parents would allow us to get together and play "Omega Boutique" on a rainy Saturday afternoon!
I have checked a vintage edition of a Canadian directory of trade marks and company names, and I was unable to locate a listing for them. I suspect this directory is too new. There is nothing on the 'net about the company that I have been able to find. I suspect their Omega franchise only lasted until possibly the early 1970s. I am confident that the correct reference material would contain a listing for them. I noticed the ad you uploaded would appear to have been published in a Quebec publication, but the Hatch company name is not mentioned. FWIW.
Those tags and the box are wonderful! Here is the inside of my box. Thanks for posting that. Now I need to get looking!
WOW! My Dad has almost that exact watch, the only difference is that his has a textured dial, otherwise same markers, font, everything! Mom bought it for him in Fort William, Ontario for his birthday in the early fifties (he's 92 this year) One time back in the 70s the thread on the crown let go, he soldered it back on.... that must have done the movement some serious good. Later it got serviced and a new crown put on. Its still in really nice shape despite its earlier life. I kind of hope to add it to my collection one day. No rush mind you. and yes, the box went in the bin years ago.
