9ct gold Omega wristwatch, 30T2 calibre, 1944

Last Updated on July 19, 2025 by Jason

The Omega 30T2 is one of the brand’s most respected movements. A vintage watch with this calibre has been on my wish list for a while. During my search for a suitable candidate, I came across this particular example at The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. It’s a 9ct gold Omega wristwatch, dating from 1944. Sadly, it had already sold, but I thought I would take the time to share my research.

A brief history of Omega

Omega began in 1848 when Louis Brandt opened a workshop in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds. He assembled key‑wound pocket watches from local parts. After he died in 1879, his sons moved the company to Biel/Bienne. There, they modernised production and centralised manufacturing. In 1894, the Brandt brothers introduced the “Omega” movement with interchangeable parts and excellent timekeeping. Its success led the company to adopt “Omega” as its official name in 1903.

Omega expanded rapidly in the early 20th century and became the official timekeeper at the Olympics from 1932. The company created precise wristwatches, marine chronometers, and pilot watches. It supplied military timepieces during both World Wars. In 1957, Omega launched the Speedmaster, Seamaster, and Railmaster collections. The Speedmaster became the first watch on the moon in 1969 after NASA’s rigorous tests. During the 1970s and 1980s quartz crisis, Omega struggled to compete with Japanese quartz prices. The brand’s prestige suffered, and Omega was absorbed into the Swatch Group in the late 1980s (Omega at Chronopedia).

Omega 30T2 calibre

According to EmmyWatch, Omega began producing the 30T2 calibre in 1939. Its accuracy and reliability inspired a family of 15‑jewel movements. Omega soon upgraded these to 17 jewels and fitted shock protection. The movement gained a screw‑regulated balance and a Breguet overcoil spring. After 1949, Omega renamed the series to the 26x–28x calibres. The final descendant, calibre 286, remained in production until 1966. For over 25 years, most manual‑wind Omegas shared the 30T2’s core design. This shared platform yields a rich variety of cases and dials for collectors.

Military history

Although largely civilian, the 30T2 served in military timepieces for both US and UK forces. A 30T2 variant, the CK2292, met the “Dirty Dozen” specifications in late WWII. It featured railroad‑style minute markers, printed Arabic numerals and three hands. Luminescent markers ensured clear legibility at night. Pilots used the CK2292 for timing synchronised payload drops. The British government approved its regulation to precise service standards.

Chronometer variants

Omega enhanced the 30T2 for its Constellation line in the early 1940s. The 30Trg and 30T2SCrg bore the “rg” designation for fine regulation. Omega entered these chronometer versions into Neuchâtel, Geneva and Kew trials. In 1946, they achieved first place for precision. These successes cemented Omega’s reputation for accurate timekeeping.

Specifications

The 30T2 is a manual wind movement measuring around 30mm in diameter and 4mm thick. It usually features 15 or 17 jewels and beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The power reserve lasts around 44 hours. Early versions lack shock protection, but later ones include Incabloc. There are no hacking seconds, though some military variants had this feature. Omega produced several versions, including the 30T2 SC (centre seconds) and the high-grade 30T2 RG (chronometer). The 30T2’s simple design underpinned its reliability. Large, well‑finished plates and wheels ensure robust performance (Omega 30T2 at Ranfft)..

Montal Watch Fittings Ltd

One thing that did catch my attention about this watch was the name of the case maker, Montal. Information about the company is limited, but what follows is all I could uncover from a couple of unsourced online references. Montal Watch Fittings Ltd was a British company founded in Birmingham in 1942, specialising in the manufacture of watch cases and metal bracelets. Following damage from WWII bombing, the company relocated to Cheltenham around 1947, where it continued operations until its liquidation in 2010. I could find no mention of the Montal Watch Fittings at Companies House. However, according to Mikrolisk, the trade mark, Montal Watch Fittings Ltd, was registered in Birmingham, England, in 1942.

There are also some Montal-branded vintage wristwatches available online. These seem to be focused on the USSR market. I can’t be certain that it is the same “Montal”. However, it is possible that Montal Watch Fittings Ltd, assembled and exported wristwatches using Soviet mechanical movements (such as Poljot, Raketa, Slava, and Luch), housed in their UK-made cases and branded as “Montal” or “Montal de Luxe”. These hybrid timepieces, primarily made for export, are now of interest to collectors for their unique blend of British and Soviet-era watchmaking.

9ct gold Omega wristwatch, 30T2

This watch houses a 15-jewel Omega 30T2 hand-winding movement. It runs smoothly and keeps good time. The movement is signed “Omega” and carries the Omega serial number 10,361,610, which dates production to 1944.

The case measures 33.5mm in diameter, excluding the crown and lugs. It is crafted from 9-carat gold, offering a refined vintage feel. Inside the case back are Birmingham hallmarks for 1945, along with the case maker’s mark for Montal. It is unusual to find Omega watches cased by Montal, making this example particularly interesting to collectors. The case reference is 5001, which correctly corresponds to the Omega 30T2 calibre. The gold case remains in lovely condition, showing careful use and preservation.

The acrylic crystal is in very good condition, free from major marks or cracks. The dial retains its original factory finish and is signed “Omega” below the 12 o’clock position. Over time, the dial has developed attractive patina and light freckling, consistent with age. The blued steel hands are original and in excellent shape, adding to the watch’s charm and historical integrity. A later black leather strap has been fitted, paired with a plain buckle. While not original, it complements the watch well and ensures it is ready to wear.

Summary

This is a well-preserved Omega 30T2 from the mid-1940s. It features a rarely seen Montal gold case, an untouched dial, and a historically important movement. Its classic size, British wartime origin, and honest condition make it highly appealing to vintage collectors. However, this particular collector missed out on the opportunity to buy such an interesting watch. Better luck next time!