Introduction
Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds, Omega’s rich history is not too much like most other watch brands. Of course, it began as a small watchmaker that was eventually taken over by Louis’ sons after his passing, like a lot of watchmakers, but Omega only changed its name to Omega in 1903, after one of its most iconic and successful movements at the time – the only brand to have done such a thing. From there, Omega became one of the world’s premier watchmakers with their timepieces be used in NASA missions to the Moon, to time the Olympics and to help get James Bond out of trouble. Offered here as one of the brand’s most historically significant chronographs, we have the Omega 33.3 Chronograph ref. 987, powered by the iconic cal. 33.3 movement. Derived from a Lemania movement and launched in 1933, the cal. 33.3 would go on to power some of the chronographs that gave Omega their esteemed name in mid-century watchmaking. Boasting an 18kt yellow gold case and a silver information-rich dial thanks to its quartet of scales and two subdials, this 37mm timepiece was a brute for its time, but today perfectly fits within our modern tastes.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 7.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Omega
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Chronograph 33.3
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 33.3
Reference
987
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1930s
Condition
Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring an information-rich silver dial, this ref. 987 features four scales within its display in blue, green, red, and blue again, adding a bright pop of color to its patinated display.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A massive watch for its time, the ref. 987 Chronograph is 37mm in diameter, thanks to its manual-wind cal. 33.3 movement, leading to its wrist presence better lending itself to modern sizing standards than the sizing standards of old.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall good condition. The yellow gold case shows scratches and marks consistent with its age, while the pushers and crown remain well defined. The dial is in good condition, with some spotting across the surface and noticeable wear to the tachymeter scale around the outer edge. The red pulsations and green telemeter scales are still clearly visible and well preserved. The blued hands show some oxidation. It is fitted with a black leather strap and gold-plated buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
A historically significant watch powered by an iconic movement that would feed Omega's reputational growth throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the ref. 987 and its cal. 33.3 movement are a signature pairing of vintage Omega that collectors adore.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
