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Few movements in the history of horology command as much respect as the Omega 30T2. Introduced in 1939, this 30mm caliber was the workhorse that powered Omega through World War II and dominated observatory precision trials for decades. Reference 2496 is a wonderful example of how Omega transitioned this military-grade engineering into a refined civilian package in the post-war years. It captures the essence of late 1940s design, where utility met elegance in a way that feels entirely effortless on the wrist.
This specific example dates to approximately 1947, indicated by the 11.2 million serial number on the movement. It is powered by the Caliber 30T2 SC, the “SC” denoting “Seconde Centrale” or center seconds, a modification that moved the seconds hand from a sub-dial to the main stack for a more modern and dynamic look. The dial layout is particularly attractive, featuring full applied gold Arabic numerals that offer high legibility and a touch of mid-century luxury.
The visual appeal of this watch lies in its subtle contrasts. The silvered dial has softened with age, developing a light, even patina that adds warmth without obscuring the text. The gold leaf hands are elegant and sharp, but the real star is the blued steel seconds hand, which catches the light and provides a pop of color against the monochrome background. The stainless steel case, stamped “Acier Inoxydable” inside the caseback, features clean lines and gently curved lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist.
Condition is everything with these vintage pieces, and this one presents as an honest survivor. The movement displays the characteristic copper-colored finish of the 30T2 family and appears visually clean. The caseback shows normal wear consistent with its age but retains clear stamping. It is a watch that balances the robustness of a tool watch with the grace of a dress watch, making it a versatile companion for the collector who values horological significance and timeless style.
