Rare French First Issue Omega Centenary


Any first issue 30.10 JUB Centenary model 2500 is uncommon because only 4000 pieces were produced. Factor in natural attrition through loss, wear, scrapping for gold value and the occasional ingestion by animals and you have a supply and demand equation that has seen the value of JUB Centenary watches increase substantially over the last decade.

For those who are not familiar with the “JUB” Centenary as opposed to Centenary calibre 333 models, the key difference is the jubilee calibre 30.10 RA PC JUB, an exposed spring bumper movement also known as calibre 331. The JUB calibre was the original offering to celebrate Omega’s centenary in 1948. The watch proved so popular that Omega continued producing the Centenary powered by the RG regulator version of the movement until the release of the first Constellations in 1952. (For a full review of the Centenary click here)



A fully French-cased 30.10 Centenary JUB, however, merits a description beyond that of “uncommon” and demands we venture into “R” word territory. The word “rare” as it applies to watches is flung around with such intemperance that even Donald Trump’s verbal ejaculations appear as models of semantic rectitude in comparison. This is why seasoned collectors, or even lightly seasoned collectors, immediately become sceptical when the word “rare” leaps from someone’s lips or keyboard. But “rare’ is the only description possible when applied to this French cased version.

Many thousands of the calibre 333 Centenary were produced, but, as mentioned, only four thousand of the Jubilee version left the Omega factory in 1948.  More than a third were exported to the USA, whereas in war-torn Europe - where economies had been devastated by the Nazi onslaught and subsequent allied invasion - money for luxury goods was not plentiful. Formerly large watch markets such as Italy, Britain, Germany and France had shrunk significanty. These markets didn’t collapse altogether, because of the willingness of occupation forces to spread around their discretionary income as well as much of their genetic material.



The case was manufactured in France owing to post-war gold restrictions, and, given the state of the French economy in 1948, I doubt whether more than 100 pieces of this model were produced. This is only the third example I have seen in thirty years of collecting.  Omega, France delivered this model to Hermes in Paris who may well have been the sole distributor for the model in France.  The stamp of the luxury goods house appears on the external case back.    



                                          Pictures courtesy of Andrew H and Triad Vintage Watch Company

14 comments:

  1. Hey Desmond!
    Big fan of the site and have been following for a while. I now am in a position where I need advice. Recently had my watch serviced and Tourneau sent to Manufacturer in Switzerland, I just want a full service but manufacturer is requiring a full service and dial replacement. Which is cost money through the roof. Would you be able to advise on alternate options? Maybe I can email you more specifics? I really just want the watch to tell time and I do want the vintage feel of the watch. I've heard of. Ifhtmare stories on dial replacements that take away the vintage feel of the watch.

    Thanks for any help

    J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      This is the problem with Tonneau and other agencies that are connected to Omega: they are instructed to send vintages watches to Bienne for, as you have discovered, very expensive, and not necessarily sympathetic refurbishments.

      I do wish Omega would get its head around the fact that collectibles demand as much originality as is possible and by going to town on a vintage Omega the collecting value is severely compromised.

      I would ask for the watch back, source an independent watchmaker nearby who can demonstrate that he knows his way around Omega vintage, and instruct him to clean, oil and regulate.

      Let's know how you get on

      Cheers

      Desmond

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    2. Anonymous10:08 pm

      Hi Desmond, I have an Omega self-winding Constellation 561 and need to know if this model was designed to also be capable of being manually wound. I'm having difficulty with it is manual winding is possible. Thanks for any help.

      Delete
    3. Hi

      Yes, indeed, all automatic movements should be able to be manually wound. The fact you're having trouble winding the movement indicates that something needs attention. It could as simple as the lubrication being dry and congealed, or perhaps a little more ominous with issues around the crown or ratchet wheels.

      That said, it's important for the watch to be looked at by an independent watchmaker in your area. I would not have the watch running until the problem is rectified.

      Regards

      Desmond

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  2. Hello Desmond,

    I recently purchased a Omega Seamaster Chronogrph with the 321 movement. However, I have suspicion that the dial has been altered. My friend referred me to you as you have extensive knowledge about Omega vintage watches. Are you able to help me out if I can send you some photos please?

    Thank you in advance!

    Paul

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Paul,

      Best check with the chronograph guys on Omega Forums. They have more expertise in this type of tool watch.

      You can down load pics and attach them on a post by first uploading them to Photobucket.

      Cheers
      Desmond

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  3. Hi Desmond, I'm seriously thinking of selling my omega collection including my omega centenary which you have advised about in the past. Rather than use online auction sites where the advertising and selling costs have rocketed I would much prefer to sell to a omega fan who actually knows what he is getting and will take good care in looking after the watch. I don't have a price in mind but would just hope that a fair price is offered bearing in mind the specific watch in question which bears the inscription " officially certified" as you probably remember. Can you advise me on the way forward please. Any advice is really appreciated. Sincere regards, Graham Smith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Graham, yes I remember your "officially certified" centenary, which I later confirmed were some of the last iterations of the model.

      Probably the best option for selling, apart from auctions or eBay, are the sales forums of Watchuseek, Purist Pro or Omega forums.

      Regards

      Desmond

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  4. Thanks Desmond, much obliged for the advice, always appreciated.
    Sincere regards
    Graham

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  5. Hi all. Any idea where I can sell a vintage Omega Constellation? I am looking for a honest buyer. Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      EBay is good if you want to get a reasonable price. Good pictures of the dial, movement, inner caseback, and a detailed description of the watch in the listing will gain you market value.

      There are some watch sites like watchuseek that have sales forums, while other forums require a minimum number of posts to gain access to the sales forums.

      Probably the worst place you can sell is to a vintage dealership who will want to pay a minimal price.

      Hope that helps.

      Regards

      Desmond

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  6. Hello Desmond.. how are you? can you help me looking at this old watch of mine how it is? http://mywatches321.blogspot.com/2017/06/blog-post.html?m=1

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Desmond coincidentally I now own exactly the same watch (literally) you have featured in this article. However the original 18k buckle is missing. Any ideas or advice?

    Thanks
    Weihao

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Weihao,

      Stocks of buckles exhausted many years ago, unfortunately

      Every now and then a buckle may surface on auction sites like eBay. There are a few fakes around of the early buckles and so you need to be careful to make sure you are getting an original.

      There is an essay on buckles on this site. See RH column. Also some good posts on buckels in OmegaForums.

      Cheers

      Desmond

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