Omega - Chronostop cal. 865 "Serviced" - 145.009 - Men - 1966

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Omega Chronostop represents a fascinating and highly distinctive era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, originally conceived as a purpose-built instrument for timing short events such as motorsport laps or regatta sprints. With its unique mono-pusher operation and striking tonneau case architecture, this timepiece perfectly bridges the gap between a dedicated sports chronograph and the refined elegance of the Genève line. It stands as a testament to Omega’s willingness to push design boundaries during the late 1960s, offering collectors a mechanically intriguing and visually captivating piece of horological history. Brand: Omega Model: Chronostop Genève Reference Number: 145.009 Serial Number: 25850691 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 865, 17 Jewels Dial: Matte charcoal grey dial with applied faceted indices showing age-consistent surface oxidation, printed white typography, and red Omega logo, featuring an orange central chronograph hand Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a well-preserved case and honest patina on the dial furniture. Movement serviced 6/25/2026 and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial presents a sophisticated matte charcoal grey surface that serves as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant timing elements. The typography is sharply executed, featuring a crisp white sans-serif font for the Omega Chronostop text and a serif font for the Genève designation, elegantly balanced by the iconic red printed Omega logo at twelve o'clock. The dial furniture consists of applied, faceted steel indices with central black inserts. Close visual inspection reveals clear, age-consistent surface oxidation and localized spotting across the metallic finish of these hour markers, providing an honest vintage character. The outer minute track is printed in stark white, complete with 1/5th-second hash marks for precise timing. Luminous dots at the outer edge of the indices have aged to a pale greenish-cream hue, matching the "T SWISS MADE T" designation at the bottom of the dial. The white baton hour and minute hands feature matching luminous material, while the prominent, bright orange central chronograph seconds hand remains incredibly vibrant, offering striking contrast and immediate legibility. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped case is a superb example of late-1960s geometry, remaining in excellent aesthetic condition. The upper case surface retains its factory-correct radial sunburst brushing, which emanates beautifully from the dial center. This brushed finish transitions sharply and cleanly into the highly polished case flanks, demonstrating excellent preservation of the original case lines and bevels with only light, honest handling marks visible under magnification. The watch features its correct Omega-signed fluted crown positioned uniquely at four o'clock, paired with the smooth, polished mono-pusher at two o'clock used to operate the chronograph function. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback with a crisp circular brushed finish and deeply engraved "WATERPROOF TESTED 30 m." text. The inner caseback proudly bears the 145.009 reference stamp. The dial is protected by a clear crystal that remains highly transparent, exhibiting only faint surface wear consistent with careful vintage ownership. Movement Powering this timepiece is the specialized Omega Caliber 865, a manual-winding movement renowned for its unique mono-pusher chronograph mechanism. The movement displays Omega’s signature copper-colored plating, which remains incredibly rich and vibrant. Close inspection of the macro photography reveals pristine finishing across the bridges and base plate, with the caliber stamp "865" and the 17-jewel designation clearly engraved. The serial number 25850691 is sharply stamped into the bridge, aiding in precise dating of the caliber. The screw heads, gears, and levers present in superb visual condition, free from any visible moisture damage or mishandling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece at +1 seconds per day. Movement serviced 6/25/2026 and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Omega stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet, which complements the tonneau case perfectly. The sliding clasp features a sharply embossed Omega logo on its outer surface. The inner folding mechanism is fully signed, bearing the precise engravings "STAINLESS STEEL", "RÉF. 1120/116", "No. 27 SWISS MADE", and "MODÈLE DÉPOSÉ", confirming its authenticity and period correctness. The mesh itself remains tight and structurally sound, showing minimal stretch, and is fully adjustable to accommodate up to a 19cm wrist. Condition This Omega Chronostop is presented in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case is exceptionally well-preserved, maintaining its sharp architectural lines and the distinct contrast between its radial brushed top and polished sides. While the main dial plate is remarkably clean, the applied metal indices show noticeable, honest oxidation and patina that authenticate the watch's age without detracting from its overall appeal. The hands retain their original paint and lume, and the vibrant orange chronograph hand remains flawless. The movement is visually spectacular and mechanically robust, reflecting careful preservation. The original signed mesh bracelet is in outstanding cosmetic and functional shape, completing this highly collectible package. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks This Chronostop Genève is a brilliant representation of Omega's creative dominance in the mid-century sports watch category. The combination of the tonneau case, the technical intrigue of the Caliber 865 mono-pusher, and the presence of the original signed mesh bracelet makes this an incredibly complete and desirable package. It is a highly wearable conversation piece that offers both mechanical pedigree and undeniable vintage charm. History Introduced in 1966, the Omega Chronostop was designed as a dynamic, youthful alternative to traditional chronographs, specifically targeted at drivers, athletes, and technicians who needed to time events lasting less than a minute. Utilizing the Caliber 865, the watch features a single pusher that starts the central seconds hand, stops it when pressed and held, and resets it to zero upon release. Initially launched within the Seamaster collection, the Chronostop was later integrated into the Genève line, bringing a touch of sophisticated versatility to the purpose-built design. Today, the Chronostop is celebrated by collectors for its unconventional layout, motorsport associations, and its unique place in Omega’s legendary legacy of chronographs. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OCG-0001