Hello, this is my first thread. I would describe myself as an enthusiastic amateur who is very interested in all things Omega. My question today is about automatics. Is there a definitive succinct resource anyone would recommend online for that part of the Omega history?
Information seems a little bit sparse possibly because Omega were not always first to that party although they often brought the best booze when they did turn up in my view.

>In particular were the 300 series their first automatics and was the bumper movement genuinely chosen for maximum winding efficiency. Also was the 470 their first full rotor movement and what drove the timing of that technology change?

I am better informed from the mid sixties onwards but I would like to know more about the early evolution of self-winding technology at Omega and this forum seemed the automatic choice…. Thanks in advance for any information which will be much appreciated.

 

Yes, I highly recommend Desmonds Blog

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/
If you search there ''Omega Movements'' you will find everything you want to know.

 

From reading Kreuzer’s - “Omega designs”, I believe the first omega self winding movement was the Cal 30,10 which was first put into production in 1942 and became the cal 330 in 1949. This was a “bumper” movement. Not sure what on line sources are out there to read.

 

My Ref 2374-3 with a Cal.30.10 says hello

 

In terms of full rotor winding I believe the Cal 470 (modified to 19j or 20j - 471) was the first omega bi-directional rotor winding movement but the 455 ladymatic was actually the first omega rotor winding movement

 

Thanks for the replies and all the great information. I think I saw Desmonds blog a while ago and clearly I did not check it out fully (my bad). It is a wonderful resource he has provided for us and I just downloaded 11mb of pdfs to read through. Also, thanks to your recommendations I have just ordered a copy of Omega designs. Compared to a lot of horology books it was a good price and mine should arrive Monday – I just hope it is the English version. I am jealous of the 2374-3 – nice looking watch and great history. I am still interested in the engineering process that took Omega to the bi-directional solution and the timing for that design but I will see what I find in the information above. I have to say I love my 564 movement. Even now it starts to tick almost before I touch the watch… it is like photons are enough to set it moving. Amazing engineering.
Cheers again for the help.

 

Still learning myself but happy to help others when I can. Good luck and happy reading

 

@Gav1967 and @KingCrouchy - Thanks again for the help. The book finally arrived after a couple of false starts. Vey pleased with it / great value :0)