Presented for auction by Second Vintage
This mid-century Omega represents a fascinating era of horological development, defined by the brand's legendary bumper automatic movements and timeless dress watch proportions. What truly sets this particular timepiece apart is its magnificent dial, which has organically aged to display a dense, even stardust patina. This natural transformation turns the watch into a unique piece of vintage art, appealing directly to collectors who value character and unpolished history. Coupled with a robust Caliber 332 movement and an elegantly proportioned case, this Omega is a quintessential example of post-war Swiss watchmaking at its finest.
Brand: Omega
Reference Number: 2398-1 H
Serial Number: 12376829
Movement: Bumper Automatic, Caliber 332, 17 Jewels
Dial: Silvered base with heavy and even stardust patina, applied gold-tone faceted indices, and recessed sub-seconds register
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: 80-Micron Gold-Plated with Stainless Steel Caseback
Production Year: 1950
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an incredibly characterful patinated dial. Serviced 6/9/2026. Movement performs strongly.
Dial and Hands
The dial of this Omega is a masterclass in vintage character, having developed a heavy, comprehensive stardust patina across its entire silvered base. This speckling is remarkably even, providing a beautiful textured appearance without the presence of localized moisture damage or unsightly stains. The typography remains crisp and fully legible, featuring the Omega name in a classic serif font above the sans-serif "AUTOMATIC" text. The dial furniture includes an applied gold-tone Omega logo and applied gold-tone faceted dart indices, with a distinctive double-dart marker at the twelve o'clock position. An outer minute track frames the dial perfectly. At the six o'clock position, a recessed sub-seconds register provides visual depth, complete with a finely stamped concentric circular guilloché pattern. The gold-tone dauphine hands exhibit age-appropriate oxidation and surface aging that perfectly matches the overall aesthetic of the dial.
Case and Crystal
The 35 mm case is topped with a domed acrylic crystal that offers clear distortion-free viewing of the dial. The inner caseback confirms the case is heavily plated in 80-micron gold, paired with a solid stainless steel snap-on caseback. The case exhibits a softened, warm tone with honest signs of wear, including light surface scratches and a gentle softening of the lug chamfers consistent with regular use over the past seven decades. The scalloped, clover-style crown is signed with the Omega logo and remains in excellent, well-preserved condition. The stainless steel caseback shows typical fine handling marks and superficial scratches from historical wear and opening, maintaining its structural integrity and clear factory engravings on the interior.
Movement
Powering this timepiece is the celebrated Omega Caliber 332, a 17-jewel bumper automatic movement finished in Omega's signature copper-toned plating. Close inspection of the movement reveals the serial number 12376829, accurately dating the watch's production to 1950. The caliber markings and "OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS" engravings remain sharp and distinct. The movement presents in clean overall condition, showing only minor, age-appropriate oxidation spots on the rotor and bridges that do not detract from its mechanical beauty. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result is -8 to -10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Serviced 6/9/2026. Movement performs strongly.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a period correct dark brown textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting yellow stitching that beautifully complements the warm, gold-tone accents of the dial and case. It is secured with a standard stainless steel tang buckle.
Condition
This Omega is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental geometry while displaying the expected softening and superficial marks of an honestly worn 1950s timepiece. The dial is the undeniable focal point, free from destructive damage but heavily kissed by time, resulting in a highly desirable and uniform stardust patina. The hands and indices show matching, attractive oxidation. The movement is remarkably well-preserved and functioning beautifully.
Dimensions
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
Finding an early bumper automatic Omega with this level of organic dial aging is a rare delight. The heavy stardust patina gives the watch an incredible presence on the wrist, bridging the gap between a formal dress watch and a rugged, time-tested artifact. It is an exceptional addition for the collector who prioritizes unique aging and historical mechanical significance.
History
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Omega was at the forefront of automatic winding technology with their "bumper" movements. Unlike modern modern rotors that spin a full 360 degrees, bumper automatics utilize a weighted rotor that bounces back and forth between hidden buffer springs, creating a distinct and charming tactile feedback on the wrist. The Caliber 332 is a celebrated evolution of these early self-winding mechanisms, renowned for its durability and precision. Watches from this era cemented Omega's reputation as a powerhouse of reliable, elegant, and technologically advanced timekeeping.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: OME-OAX-0008























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Omega - Bumper Caliber 332 'Serviced' - No reserve price - 2398-1 H - Men - 1950
Omega • 1950
Sold for
€511
Sold on Jul 3, 2026
43 bids135 watching
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