Omega GRAIL Watch 2077 Cal. 33.3CHRO 1939 Waterproof Chronograph Pre Speedmaster

History & About
 Rare steel Omega cal. 33.3 ref. CK 2077, 

First Production run 1938- war time production produced in extremely limited numbers due to the war efforts and limited materials very few examples still exist today. even fewer in all original condition. 

The Omega cal. 33.3 chronograph series, which is considered to be a forerunner of the Speedmaster, is one of the most sought-after chronographs by Omega. It is said that only 14,000 movements were produced for 20 years.

 

"Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg."

OMEGA    
Swiss • 1848

Omega’s manual-winding caliber 33.3 CHRO is an icon amongst collectors. It was launched in 1933, originally as a monopusher chronograph, however by the late 1930s, the brand redesigned it, and used the movement in some of their finest two pusher chronographs. In 1937, the caliber was fitted into Omega’s first water resistant chronograph watch – the reference CK 2077, a model that can be considered a turning point in the firm’s history.

The Dial 
All 2077's are rare, this one particvularly so, fitted with the uncommon Tricolore dial, and the very rare telemetre dial, most other 2077's being pulsations dials. 

A three tone Silver-Ivory-Cream Dial With Red-Black-Blue multiscale chronograph timers. 
Central blue tachymeter (Low Speed) 12-55 Middle Telemetre, Lastly peripheral tachymetre scale (High Speed) -400

Patina is the name of the game here,  A naturally aged Patinated dial now a silvered Ivory cream tone.

Original Blued Steel Leaf Hands and Counter Tipped Seconds Central 

 importantly all original condition dial displaying beautiful money can't buy natural age patina. so often we see these classic vintage watches repainted redialed restored and frankly ruined. collectors will look for natural age patina above a restored and redialed watch of this period So leave that dial alone! a watches dial is its story its age its history and to repaint this frankly absurd.

The Case
Full Stainless Steel monobloc case 38.5mm in diameter excluding crown 41.5mm inclusive 45.5mm lug tip to lug tip.  In outstanding condition no evident wear or over polishing this watch just normal surface wear micro scratches from normal use no heavy damage or indentations wonderfully the case has not been Over Polished and retains an ALL ORIGINAL FINISH (thank god) Fully signed case back inner original Crown & Pushers

 Strap Movement 
With thanks to "Hirsch" for having helped date the strap 

Genuine Elephant hide EXOTIC Skin (produced no later than 1949) a true period to the watch piece in Cognac Tan coloration. 
Because rare and beautiful watches deserve rare and beautiful straps 

A strap thats rarity matches and complements a watch of this magnitude

Movement 

Omega 3.33CHRO 

Based on Lemania 15 CHT, introduced in 1931. In Omega version with compensating balance and Breguet hairspring.

Column Wheel Chronograph 

17 jewels, manual wind chronograph, 60 s, 30 min counter.

Bph:  18.000 A/h.

Power reserve: 44 h.