A rare Omega: The illustrious Grand Sport “Racing Dial”
Omega Genève Grand Sport “Racing Dial” 135.041
What exactly is this? A Timex disguised with an Omega logo? Or perhaps an exceptionally rare Caliber 601?
This is the illustrious and rare Omega Grand Sport, a time-only wristwatch released in 1968, designed as an affordable, racing-inspired model.
Omega: A Journey Through Time door Marco Richon, 2007
The Grand Sport could be considered as the cheaper alternative of the Omega Chronostop which was a consumer line of Omega Speedmaster “Professional”.
Omega Chronostop advertisement
Image and watch by Revolution Watch: https://revolutionwatch.com/
You can see the heritage of the second hand of the Grand Sport that was introduced in the late 60’s with the Omega Chronostop and famed Omega Speedmaster “Ultraman”.
Rarity. This watch is produced in a very limited production run. With around 20 watches known (with this dial but having varying handsets). Making this one of the rarest of the Omega’s from the early racing years.
True story of the grand sport
The book “Omega: A Journey Through Time” describes is this a watch made for the Grand Prix of Canada of 1968. One example of this dial in another case has been confirmed to be made for this event.
But other pieces from the reference 135.041 are probably not made for this event and sold as more affordable “racing” inspired alternatives.
As many pieces are being found in The Netherlands it’s unlikely that they where produced for the Canadian market.
The One-Owner Grand Sport
I was fortunate to come across an Omega Grand Sport from its original owner, who shared the story of how he acquired it.
In 1968, as a young boy, he went shopping with his father along Amsterdam’s Kalverstraat. They stopped at E. Kiek Jr. (ELKA Watch Co.) at 206 Kalverstraat—a respected watch retailer with a history dating back to 1913.
He recalls that the Grand Sport was available with two strap options: a checkered strap and a black rubber tropic strap. However, he’s uncertain whether these choices were part of Omega’s official offering or simply options provided by the store.
E. Kiek Jr.,1961 Kalverstraat 206 Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
Do you own an Omega Grand Prix or do you have more information about this watch?
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