Omega Ref. 2397 - Very Rare Black Gilt Dial - 1943

This 1943 Omega Ref. 2397 is a very special early vintage Omega, largely because of its rare gloss black gilt dial.

Black gilt dials from this period are not easy to find, and when they do appear, they are often heavily worn, refinished or damaged beyond the point of collector appeal. This example has survived with real presence, retaining its deep black tone, warm gilt printing and beautifully balanced rail track minute scale.

The watch dates to 1943, placing it in a fascinating period of Omega production. During the 1940s, Omega was producing robust, elegant and technically accomplished wristwatches, many of which were built for practical daily use rather than preservation. That makes the survival of a watch like this even more impressive.

The 34mm steel case is a strong size for the period, with thin lugs, a domed acrylic crystal and a refined profile on the wrist. It has the elegant simplicity of an early 1940s dress watch, but the black gilt dial gives it a far more dramatic and collectable appearance.

Power comes from the Omega manual wind calibre 28SC movement, a charming and historically important movement from this era of Omega production.

This is not a standard vintage Omega. It is an unusually attractive wartime period example with a rare black gilt dial, strong visual character and the kind of originality that collectors increasingly value.

Key Features

• Omega Ref. 2397

• Year 1943

• Omega calibre 28SC manual wind movement

• 34mm stainless steel case

• Rare gloss black gilt dial

• Rail track minute scale

• Arabic numeral dial layout

• Acrylic crystal

• Tan leather strap

• Sold as watch only

A Word on Condition

This Omega presents with wonderful vintage character and a very strong overall appearance for a watch dating to 1943.

The main attraction is the gloss black gilt dial. It retains a deep, attractive tone with warm gilt printing and a beautifully detailed rail track minute scale. There is honest ageing visible, as expected on a watch of this age, but the overall impression remains highly attractive and far stronger than many surviving black dial watches from the period.

The steel case shows age-related wear consistent with careful use over more than 80 years. It retains a pleasing vintage profile, with slim lugs and a classic rounded case shape that suits the watch perfectly.

The hands, dial and case work together beautifully, giving the watch a coherent and very period correct appearance. It has not been made to look new, and that is a major part of the appeal. This is an honest survivor with real charm and rarity.

Accessories / The Set

This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than whether a box or papers happen to be present.

Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we do not believe in inflating prices with non-original extras. If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description.

All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

The reason to buy this watch is simple: the dial.

A 1940s Omega is already a charming and historically interesting vintage watch, but finding one with a surviving gloss black gilt dial is far more unusual. These dials are delicate, distinctive and highly prized because they give the watch a depth and warmth that standard silver dial examples simply do not have.

This Ref. 2397 has the right combination of rarity, age, mechanical charm and visual impact. The 34mm steel case makes it wearable, the calibre 28SC movement gives it proper Omega substance, and the black gilt dial makes it genuinely special.

For someone looking for an early vintage Omega with real collector appeal, this is a rare and highly characterful example. Watches like this are difficult to find, especially with this level of dial presence and overall charm.

Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced where required to meet our exacting standards. All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging, full purchase documentation and a 12 month warranty as standard.