Rare Omega “Jumbo Automatic” Ref. 2861 in Yellow Gold, circa 1955

In 1955, after more than a decade of so-called “bumper” automatic calibers, Omega introduced its first generation of movements with a 360° central rotor. The caliber 491 that powers our watch is one of its very first expressions. The reference 2861 belongs to no named collection – its dial is content with a sober “Omega Automatic” – but it has made a name for itself among collectors, who nickname these rare oversized Omegas “Jumbo”: 37.5 mm in diameter, at a time when 32-35 mm was the norm. Its 18K yellow gold case bears the Geneva Key No. 1 hallmark of Wenger, one of the most esteemed case makers in watchmaking history – the very firm that cut the angular “Spider Lugs” of the Patek Philippe refs. 1578 and 1579, found precisely here.
The example we are pleased to offer is preserved in excellent overall condition. The silver dial has developed a superb warm patina radiating from the centre outwards; the pearled minute track, the faceted applied hour markers and the gold Dauphine hands form a face of great consistency, beneath a domed Plexiglas crystal. The movement has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs perfectly. We present this watch on a new green alligator leather strap hand-stitched by our artisan, accompanied by our Steel Warranty Card.
Exceedingly rare, great in its size as in its construction, this Omega “Jumbo Automatic” is, in our eyes, among the most alluring expressions of Omega’s golden age. This is a rare opportunity.

In the mid-1950s, Omega was at the height of its prestige: precision records at observatory competitions, the success of the young Seamaster (1948) and Constellation (1952) collections… It was also a period of technical transition. In 1955, after more than a decade of so-called “bumper” (or “hammer”) automatic calibers, whose oscillating weight struck against two springs, the manufacture introduced its first generation of movements with a 360° central rotor. The caliber 491 that powers our watch is one of its very first expressions; it has 19 jewels, beats at 19,800 vibrations per hour and features a small seconds at 6 o’clock.

The reference 2861 belongs to no named collection – its dial is content with a sober “Omega Automatic”. It is through its size that it has made a name for itself among collectors, who nickname these rare oversized Omegas “Jumbo”: 37.5 mm in diameter, at a time when the vast majority of dress watches kept to 32-35 mm. The reference is exceedingly rare today.

Its 18K yellow gold case (750 ‰), with a snap-on back, reveals inside the caseback the Geneva Key No. 1 hallmark: the signature of Wenger, one of the most esteemed case makers in watchmaking history, to whom we owe notably the first cases of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, those of the Patek Philippe ref. 2499… and those of the Patek Philippe refs. 1578 and 1579, whose angular faceted lugs inspired the “Spider Lugs” moniker. It is precisely these lugs that are found here, in the same chiselled design – the same Genevan hand, in the service of Omega.

The example we are pleased to offer is preserved in excellent overall condition. The silver dial has developed a superb warm patina radiating from the centre outwards, with unmistakable vintage charm; the pearled minute track, the faceted applied gold hour markers and the gold Dauphine hands form a face of great consistency, beneath a domed Plexiglas crystal. The winding crown is signed Omega, and the movement number – in the 14.6 million range – dates its manufacture to around 1955. The automatic mechanical movement has undergone a complete service by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs within the strictest tolerances. We present this watch on a new green alligator leather strap hand-stitched by our artisan, complemented by a yellow-gold-plated pin buckle. It comes with our Steel Warranty Card.

Exceedingly rare on the market, great in its size – a fully contemporary diameter – as in its construction, this Omega “Jumbo Automatic” is, in our eyes, among the most alluring expressions of Omega’s golden age. Discerning collectors will recognise it at once: this is a rare opportunity.

This round Omega, reference 2861 known as the “Jumbo Automatic”, is preserved in excellent overall condition.
Its 18K yellow gold case has a particularly oversized diameter for its production period (circa 1955): 37.5 mm! Its characteristic lugs, known as “Spider Lugs” on account of their sharp, multiple angles, retain their original proportions. The snap-on caseback is also in fine condition.
The original silver dial has developed a superb warm and even patina, lending the piece an unmistakable vintage charm. Its faceted applied hour markers are perfectly matched by the pair of Dauphine hands.
The automatic mechanical movement, an Omega caliber 491 with a 360° central rotor (rather than a bumper), has undergone a complete service by one of our watchmakers well versed in vintage calibers, and runs very well.
The hand-stitched green alligator leather Amplitude° strap is new, and fitted with a yellow-gold-plated pin buckle that harmoniously completes the ensemble.
In short, an excellent example of an exceedingly rare reference!

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