Help please ID Omega ou Helvetia

JimInOz

Here's an example of your movement, although a Lépine, not a hunter.

As you can see, there is no association with the Omega empire.

Helvetia History

Hello all. Sorry for the delay in replying. I've also got your email which I'll reply to as soon as I get a minute.

This movement is the first basic lever movement the General Watch Co used when they were first formed by the Brandt brothers in 1895. You are correct that the serial number seems too early for the General Watch Co. The first movements that the General Watch Co made were those previously manufactured by Louis Brandt and Frere (Omega) so I would hazard a guess that this watch was made by Louis Brandt and Frere immediately before the General Watch Co was formed in 1895. I think the serial number is about right for Louis Brandt and Frere at that time.

This one is more usual. Serial number from 1897, "La Generale, Successor to Louis Brandt & Frere" text on dial, Helvetia brand mark inside the case.

I have one with Helvetia on the dial and another, Hunter cased, marked The General Lever.

So I think your watch is of the type first made by the General Watch Co but probably actually manufactured by Louis Brandt and Frere.

I need to add a section on these early GW Co pocket watches to my site soon.

Thanks. Carl.

Helvetia History

Hello all. Sorry for the delay in replying. I've also got your email which I'll reply to as soon as I get a minute.

This movement is the first basic lever movement the General Watch Co used when they were first formed by the Brandt brothers in 1895. You are correct that the serial number seems too early for the General Watch Co. The first movements that the General Watch Co made were those previously manufactured by Louis Brandt and Frere (Omega) so I would hazard a guess that this watch was made by Louis Brandt and Frere immediately before the General Watch Co was formed in 1895. I think the serial number is about right for Louis Brandt and Frere at that time.

This one is more usual. Serial number from 1897, "La Generale, Successor to Louis Brandt & Frere" text on dial, Helvetia brand mark inside the case.

I have one with Helvetia on the dial and another, Hunter cased, marked The General Lever.

So I think your watch is of the type first made by the General Watch Co but probably actually manufactured by Louis Brandt and Frere.

I need to add a section on these early GW Co pocket watches to my site soon.

Thanks. Carl.

JimInOz

Hi Carl,
Those are the only two pictures that show any relevant details of the watch.
Interesting to see your example with the General Lever marking.
I now know a little more about early Omega history.