#2 Watch Showcase - May
When new items are added to the collection they are introduced through a Showcase. For this Showcase we have three steel pieces from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s with a very period look.
Universal Genève Cal. 262 "Mirror Marker"
The “Mirror Marker” is an uncommon Universal Genève dial execution seen on time only and chronograph’s from the 1940’s. Hard to capture on a photo with light hitting the dial in a more dynamic fashion when wearing the watch. Combined with the Universal Genève shield logo and blued leaf hands it’s a treasure of elegance.
A combination off many. Elegance with the markers, Bauhaus minimalism with the numerals and Utilitarian steel case with long lugs giving it a big presence on the wrist.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 481 "Power Reserve Gauge"
The "Power Reserve Gauge" or later known as the Powermatic. The legendary Cal. 481, an automatic movement with power reserve function. The window underneath the 12 o’clock marker shows the hours remaining before the watch runs out of “power”. A function for “The Future” in the early 1950’s.
As many watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre have from this era it has the outer second track on the inside of the markers. Widening the aesthetic of the dial and giving it a good presence on the wrist and distinctive look no brand could replicate.
Omega Genève Grand Sport "Racing Dial" 135.041
This is the Grand Sport. A time only watch marketed as a “racing” watch at an affordable price point. The cheaper sibling of the Omega Chronostop which was the consumers Omega Speedmaster. You can see this heritage in the hands used on the Grand Sport coming back on the Chronostop and many other Omega chronographs.
Rarity. A wrist watch known in very small numbers with only less then 15 known. Some say this watch was made to commemorate 1968 Canada Grand Prix. I personally think this is untrue. Since many of the pieces are found in The Netherlands with Omega Archive information to back this up I think this was just a budget “racing” inspired watch for the Dutch cheapskates.