Don't miss the next drop
In the vast universe of vintage timepieces, some watches simply command respect. They don’t need excessive complication or flashy designs to make their presence known. Instead, they possess a quiet confidence born from exceptional engineering and timeless design. This Omega, Reference 2271-2, is precisely that kind of watch—a definitive example of mid-century watchmaking at its absolute finest.
At the heart of this timepiece beats the legendary 30T2 caliber, a movement that is, in our opinion, one of the most important and robust manual-winding movements of the 20th century. Introduced in 1939, the 30T2 family was an immediate success, lauded for its superb accuracy, simple construction, and incredible reliability. It was so highly regarded, in fact, that it became the backbone of Omega’s production for over two decades and was the movement of choice for the British Ministry of Defence during WWII. These movements weren’t just good; they were chronometer-grade powerhouses that helped solidify Omega’s reputation as a world-class manufacture. Housed in a “jumbo” stainless steel case measuring a very contemporary 38mm, this watch would have been strikingly oversized for its time in the late 1940s, a feature that makes it wildly desirable today.
This particular example is a stunning specimen. The stainless steel case, with its elegant, sweeping lugs, remains thick and appears unpolished, retaining the sharp, factory-defined chamfers that are so often lost to time. But the dial is the true showstopper here. It’s a beautifully preserved “sector” or scientific dial, featuring a combination of crisp black Roman numerals and a clear outer minute track. This layout was designed for legibility and precision, a direct reflection of the workhorse movement ticking away within. The original blued steel handset is intact, providing a perfect, subtle contrast against the warm, silvered dial.
The condition is, frankly, fantastic. The dial shows a gentle, honest patina that has mellowed to a lovely off-white hue, a testament to a life well-spent but well-cared for. There are no signs of moisture damage or careless handling. The case exhibits minor wear consistent with its age, small marks that speak to its history without detracting from its overall beauty. This is not a “time capsule” piece that has sat in a drawer; this is a survivor, a watch that has been a companion for decades and has the character to prove it.
