Help with a highly unusual Vintage Omega

Tire-comedon

Hello, it's a ref CK 973, with a T17 inside.
Here in 1935 catalogs :


Mine says hello :



Apparently the large curved caseback was an invitation to dedicace :

Tylerstg1

Hello fellow collectors, long time lurker who rarely posts here. I recently have come across this watch which has me completely confused. I've showed it to several vintage Omega collectors with nobody able to give me much answers. The watch looks to be some sort of water proof or water resistant case design as there was a lead gasket between the bezel and case. The movement is dated to 1934 so it puts it around the time of the original Omega Marine. Has anyone seen this model before or are aware of information on it?

All the best,

Tyler

TexOmega

Welcome

I'm always trying to learn about rare watches, what makes these rare?

M Mihir

Hello
I have little to no knowledge about vintage watches as this Omega T17 is my first Swiss Watch.
I have searched a lot about this particular model and some are saying that this model was a prototype for the first waterproof Marine by Omega. This statement alone carries a lot of weight which inclines towards the rarity of the timepiece. Though it needs to be verified by Omega or someone who got information and knowledge about these models.
The clamshell construction with the 4 screws holding the main case is quite rare to see in vintage Omega models.

Tylerstg1

I don't believe these were in any way prototypes as i believe they came out after the Marine and have very different case designs. From my eye they look to be an early style of water resistant case, specifically for warmer climates where sweat is an issue. I've seen many a watch get destroyed by sweat whereas this keeps the gasket and sealed back away from the wearers wrist. Keep in mind this is just a theory but one which i think makes more sense. PS my boys say hello!

M Mihir

That’s

I think now I am addicted to the rectangular watches, especially the Omega Marine. That watch is just beautiful

Tylerstg1

It's really hard to find a good one and i was lucky enough to get mine on the original deployment style clasp. I'm also lucky in the sense i can wear smaller tank watches as i have smaller wrists. Best of luck to you in your hunt!