The history of Omega SA began in 1848, when 23-year-old watchmaker Louis Brandt established a small workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Over the following 175 years, Omega evolved from a modest atelier into one of the world’s most celebrated watch manufacturers, renowned for its achievements in precision timekeeping, space exploration, professional diving watches, and mechanical innovation.

Among the brand’s most important early developments was the Omega Calibre 28.9 CHRO — Omega’s first compact wrist chronograph movement, produced in very limited numbers between 1932 and approximately 1943. Developed in collaboration with Lemania, where it was known as the Lemania 13CH, this groundbreaking 28.9 mm movement laid the foundation for Omega’s future sports and military chronographs, eventually evolving into the legendary Calibre 321 used in the first NASA-approved Speedmaster.

Closely related to the better-known Calibre 33.3, the 28.9 is considerably rarer, especially in a screw-back waterproof case configuration such as the present example.

This particular watch is housed in a steel case with a screw-down case back and oversized pump pushers, giving it a strong and purposeful appearance.

The glossy black dial is especially attractive, featuring two recessed sub-dials for the chronograph functions, a base-1000 scale, and a finely printed minute track. The clean, no-lume hands complete the design beautifully and give the watch an exceptionally elegant and balanced appearance.

This historically important chronograph is fitted with a beautiful Bulang and Sons strap and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

As a fascinating detail, we currently have another Omega Calibre 28.9 in stock with a movement number exactly one digit apart from this example — meaning the watches feature consecutive movement serial numbers. After handling thousands upon thousands of vintage watches over the years, this is something we have never encountered before.

Together, these two watches represent an extraordinary opportunity for the serious collector: historically important Omega chronographs with rare movements, waterproof screw-back cases, outstanding overall condition, and an almost impossible-to-find consecutive serial relationship..

An increasingly rare calibre housed in a beautifully balanced and highly wearable case.

Specifications:

Omega Chronograph
35mm steel case with screw-down case back
Rare black dial, base 1000 scale
pump pushers
no lume leaf style hands
Cal. 28.9 hand wound movement
Movement Serial 938xxxx dating to the early 1940’s
Bulang and sons leather strap
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

Omega Chronograph 28.9 Movement Screw-down Case Black Dial

Omega Chronograph 28.9 Movement Screw-down Case Black Dial

Before/after