For the un-initiated like me (or maybe ONLY me!), what is the significance of the Meister designation? Yes, I know it means master in German, but as part of a particular Omega watch's appellation....why?
Meister is a high end store in Zurich that, until the early 1970's, had their store name engraved on the dials of some of the watches they sold. Omega was one of those brands. The engraving was done by Omega and then the watch was delivered to Meister. This watch is a 145.022-69, new moon, straight writing caseback, with a 220 bezel. These were produced in 1970. Tiffany also had their store name engraved on watches as well. I believe that the Tiffany dials are rarer than the Meisters
I thought I was sure. But, As TNT suspected, my memory was incorrect. In fact, the caseback is pre-moon. The 220 bezel predates the straight writing casebacks.
I bought a new box and thaught it would interest the members because I think it is rare, thaugh I am not an expert. My kids are finally back to school (in Brussels), so I have some time now. It is for a Seamaster XVI from 1956, it included the original strap, I think it is, though I thaught the buckle would be gold, but it is plated. Here are the pics : Now, I need to find the watch !!
Sorry, I have only just seen this (4 months later!). I think that Türler is another example, also a Zurich high-end store (132 years old). The thing I find strange is the spelling variation. For those who don’t know, the German ‘ü’ would be ‘ue’ – in fact either would be correct. Some Omega watches with the store name on the dial (done by Omega) are spelled ‘Türler’ and some are ‘Turler’ – the pronunciation is different. Omega is based in Biel/Bienne (in the Swiss canton of Berne) which is the only officially-bilingual city in Switzerland. So you’d think they’d get the German spelling right. I am surprised to find watches with a dial (made by Omega) with the name ‘Turler’. Or am I missing something?