Omega Gent's Watch

Why We Love It

Every watch collector should reserve a place in his or her watch box for a dress watch.

This one by Omega, a Reference 2891-1, is a perfect contender. Although the case is steel, it’s thin enough to slip easily beneath the cuff of a well-tailored suit. But with a dial like that, you almost wish it wouldn’t.

The gold markers and hands resonate with the kind of understated elegance that makes mid-century watches like this one some of the most beautiful on the market—and the most stylish.

The Story

In the Second World War, the British Ministry of Defense saw the need for their armed forces to have durable timepieces that could withstand the rigors of combat while keeping accurate time. The "Watch Wristlet Waterproof," one of the Dirty Dozen produced by twelve watch manufacturers for general issue from 1945 to 1948, combined a spartan exterior with a robust, no-frills movement. Omega’s contribution was powered by the Calibre 30T2, an extremely dependable and reliable movement that would remain in production until the 1960s and play a great role in Omega's post-war success and reputation.

After the war, Omega would go on to adapt the 30T2 in a series of hand-wound movements that were just as elegant and robust as their predecessor.

As Europe entered into the post-WW2 recovery period, the Swiss watch industry resumed production of fine timepieces after years of fulfilling defense contracts. In keeping with the austere designs of the military watches of the 1940s, the clean lines and ornamentation of the Art Deco style faded away to a more utilitarian aesthetic inspired by military timepieces. This resulted in beautifully clean and understated watches to suit the tastes of returning G.I.’s.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.