15th Mar, 2025 9:30 GMT/BST
Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver
2198
Omega: A Rare British Military Royal Air Force "Thin Arrow" Centre Seconds Wristwatch, signed Omega, ref: 2777-1, issued in 1953, (calibre 283) manual wound lever movement signed and numbered 13056698, movement dust cover and inner retention ring, black dial with Arabic numerals and Thin broad arrow, case with fixed bars between the lugs, screw back with broad arrow and military numbers 6645 101000 6B/542 1504/53, inside back cover stamped Omega Watch Co and numbered 2777-1 SC
37mm wide
Omega watches were issued to the RAF, which are today often appropriately nicknamed “53 Omegas”. Designed for use in combat, they were built to a very high standard, they were waterproof and had the 283 calibre shockproof movements finished in rose gold, and a soft iron inner casing to make the watch less magnetic, thus reducing the risk of interfering with an aircraft’s instruments whilst not altering the efficiency of the watch.
The first of this consignment of watches were issued with ‘Thin Arrow’ radium dials, like this present example. However, there was concern within the MoD that the radium might be a safety issue when the watches were all stockpiled; the watches were recalled and re-dialled with a safer alternative – the tritium ‘Fat Arrow’ dial. The vast majority of the original radium dials were replaced by the MoD, and it is thought that only a few hundred of the Omega ‘Thin Arrow’ watches escaped the upgrade, and few still survive today, particularly in good condition.
Sold for £4,200
Estimated at £2,500 - £3,000
Case with surface scratches and small dents in parts, case back with small opening tool scratch marks, later strap and buckle not by Omega, original dial finish, dial with a small scratch between 4 and 5, dial surface with small staining marks visible under an eyeglass, original radium dial lume has evenly faded but have a good patina, dial numerals and outer minute track is clear, hand lume with good patina, centre seconds hand with small spotting marks, hand setting correctly and winding smoothly, movement is working.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to Prospective Buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale.
We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a condition report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition.
A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the Seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage people to see an item in person when possible.
Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 15th Mar, 2025
Jewellery
In one of the most exciting Jewellery sales in recent years, there are several lots from leading makers including Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, Hermes and Chopard, the highlight of which is a rare Magnificent Very Light Pink 8.62 Carat Diamond Necklace signed and numbered by Cartier. Further items from these iconic names include A Mother-of-Pearl Alhambra Necklace and Earring Suite, by Van Cleef & Arpels, A Pair of Diamond Hoop Earrings, by Cartier formed of graduated C de Cartier logo links, A Multi-Gem Set Happy Diamond Pendant on Chain, by Chopard modelled as an articulated clown and An Enamel Ring, by Hermès comprised of three yellow textured entwined bands, each with a central band of enamel decoration in either red, blue or green
Sapphires feature strongly in the sale, including an unusual 18 Carat Gold Star Sapphire Swivel Ring, the oval cabochon star sapphire in a yellow rubbed over setting, with a swivel loop, and An 18 Carat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Period jewellery in the sale features An Early-Mid Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch and A Diamond Brooch, circa 1920, the pierced plaque set throughout with old cut and rose cut diamonds.
Watches
The Watches section features a good range of makers and periods, from popular collector’s names such as Jaeger LeCoutre and Rolex, rare military watches and modern makers.
Highlights include a Jaeger LeCoultre Lady's 18 Carat White Gold Diamond Set Reverso Wristwatch, a A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Centre Seconds Wristwatch, “Great White” signed Rolex with the original dial and original bracelet, a Second World War German Luftwaffe Pilots Single Push Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1938 and an Omega Rare British Military Royal AirForce “Thin Arrow” signed Omega. Modern makers include a Bremont: A Limited Edition Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch, signed Bremont, Chronometer, model: Mustang P-51, number 038 of a limited edition of 251 pieces made, circa 2009.
Silver
The silver section of the sale includes almost 170 lots dating from across five centuries. From the 16th century is an Elizabeth I silver chalice and paten which last appeared on the public market at Christie’s in 2004. Another early rarity is a Charles II Scottish trefid-spoon which is marked for Edinburgh, circa 1670. It is one of a number of early spoons and items of flatware which are offered in the sale.
Leading the sale is a rare silver-mounted sandstone match-holder in the form of an elephant. Made for Faberge in St Petersburg by his Workmaster Julius Rappoport circa 1890 it is believed to have originated from Clifton Castle, near Ripon. Other European highlights include two 18th century Maltese sugar-bowls and covers and two charming Dutch silver miniature toys. The 20th century silver includes the final instalment of napkin-rings from the Lion Collection. The examples offered in this sale include Arts and Crafts examples, made in the very early years of the 20th century, and later examples by some of the best known silversmiths of the late 20th century, including Stuart Devlin, Grant MacDonald and Chris Knight.
Viewing
Sunday 9th March - Thursday 13th March 11am-3pm, Friday 14th March 8am-3pm and morning of the sale from 8am
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