Omega Wristwatch Geneve 136.0099 Vintage 1972

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Omega Geneve 136.0099
Movement : Calibre 1030
Age : circa 1972
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Omega watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In fantastic pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
  
• Case has some light scratches and marks
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Signed Omega crown
  
• Sunburst dial
• Dial has some light age related patina
• Paired on an unworn blue leather strap

Omega first introduced the Gevene line in the early 50s, Omega began using the 'Genève' name for its 30mm watches, which achieved notable success in the Geneva Observatory trials in 1953. This led to the formal establishment of the Geneve collection. Initially, these watches were considered high-end, but by 1967, the Geneve name was applied to a broader range of entry-level watches, making Omega timepieces more accessible. Despite being less celebrated than collections like Speedmaster or Seamaster, the Geneve line has gained a cult following among collectors for its unique designs and historical significance.

The name "Genève" was chosen to pay homage to the city where Omega's advanced research and development in watchmaking were conducted. By the 1950s, Omega's workshops in Geneva were at the forefront of the company's innovations, particularly in the development of movements that would set new standards for accuracy and reliability. When the Omega Geneve collection was introduced, it was positioned as a more accessible option within Omega's lineup, without compromising the brand's high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This move was revolutionary, as it brought Omega's renowned precision and elegance within reach of a broader audience. The Genève line included a wide range of models, from simple, time-only watches to more complex variations featuring date functions and automatic movements. The 1960s were a golden era for the Omega Genève, with the introduction of models that featured sleek, modern designs reflective of the decade's aesthetic sensibilities. The collection became known for its versatility, offering everything from dress watches to sportier models, all bearing the distinctive Omega Genève signature on the dial.

 THE WATCH

We have here a stunning Omega Geneve date, model 136.0099, with a sunburst silver dial. The black inlay in the hour indices complement the inlay on the hour and minute hands and pull the whole design of the watch together. The watch is powered by the ever-reliable, manual winding Omega caliber 1030 which beats at 28.800 BPH and has a date complication, it sits in the stainless steel, 35mm, round shaped, screwback case, which wears lovely on the wrist. We've paired this watch on a blue leather strap, but it can be dressed up or down with straps to suit every occasion.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Omega Geneve is one of our favourite entry level models and we love a watch that has as much character as this one, the calibre 1030 runs at a high beat of 28.800 and gives a wonderful sweep on the second hand. This 136.0099 is in fantastic over all condition and is the perfect watch for the vintage newbie or seasoned collector.