Lot 38

Omega

Lawrence of Arabia

An aviator's important and early chronograph - one of the first chronographs to be worn on the wrist

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The present lot is a beautiful example not only of an early chronograph wristwatch, but of an early wristwatch in general. In 1915, wristwatches had yet to capture the attention they would enjoy later in the century.
The size of the watch is due to two important factors: facility of production and utility. The 18''' movement used in this watch could have been produced to be fitted into a pocket watch; when it came time to make a wristwatch, Omega would have used the available parts they had rather than designing a new, smaller calibre.
As the watch was probably made for use by aviators, the large size of the case and dial are very important. With such a big watch, the pilot could easily read the time during his flying maneuvers. The ingenious design of chronograph button at 6 o'clock helps the pilot activate the complication with his opposite hand and is easier to use than the standard side button design.
Finally, it is interesting to note the use fo a 15-minute register, an unusual variation for a chronograph from this time period. Most chronographs feature a 30-minute register and sometimes a further 12-hour register. The 15-minute register allows a more precise reading, as each minute is clearly marked, whereas registers recording longer periods of time rarely mark intervals shorter than 10 minutes.
Thanks to its good readability, the chronograph quickly became popular, especially with pilots. Omega supplied numerous examples to the British Royal Flying Corps (Royal Air Force from 1918). One of them went to T.E. Lawrence (called Lawrence of Arabia), possibly shortly before his dangerous mission in Cairo.