Omodox 21 Jewels Mechanical
I love this watch! Yet I don't know the model numbers or the watch's name. Neither did the previous owner. All I found were:
Omodox was founded by Uhrwerke Lengnau (Lengnau watch factory) around 1946. Lengnau (Postal code 2543), now a municipality under the district of Bienne in Switzerland, transformed from a farming village to a watchmaking town during the 19th century.
This town is now the headquarters of some fine Swiss watchmakers including Rado. Coming back to Omodox, their watches gained popularity in the European countries and also were being imported to Brazil, Argentina and India. It stopped the watch production somewhere in the early ‘70s. In 1986 the brand was sold to Delma Watch Limited and they owned the trademark for 30 years. Later Delma became a part of the Swatch Group. [Edit: No official record found to support this statement]
The watch features an FHF calibre 67, specifically the 21 jewels variant.
The case back includes many texts among which the “antimagnetic” seems the most interesting to me.
Apparently, it’s the hairspring that’s antimagnetic, well to a greater extent than the normal steel ones. This calibre uses a Nivarox grade 1 hairspring that contains around 48% cobalt giving its blue colour.
If you have any more info on the watch or the brand please share, I'd love to know!
I promise I'd never use "A Man & His Watch" as a prop.
I think that you are the Omodox expert. Thanks for all of the information.
I think that you are the Omodox expert. Thanks for all of the information.
Haha that'll be a stretch. These are all curated info from the internet and then two very knowledgeable vintage collectors helped me get some more info. They are not on WC, else would've mentioned them.
Haha that'll be a stretch. These are all curated info from the internet and then two very knowledgeable vintage collectors helped me get some more info. They are not on WC, else would've mentioned them.
BTW, I don't think Delma ever was part of Swatch.
Well researched! What a fascinating tale. The movement is really interesting. I can’t recall seeing that architecture before.
Cool watch!
It’s refreshing to have someone come on, post something like this, and then ask for more info. This is A grade material, there is little us vintage bastards can add to this. I don’t believe Delma are part of the Swatch Group, they are still independent (or claim to be).
I also have an FHF 67 powered watch, but in a HK-based jobber with a roulette date wheel. It’s a great movement. It was in circulation right up until the mid-70s. I’d put yours late 1950s into the 1960s based on the style and the numerals.
Nice watch - genuinely. Nothing much to bring to this, you’ve added to the flow.
BTW, I don't think Delma ever was part of Swatch.
I found this bit in multiple forums but couldn't find a single official document that tied Delma to Swatch. So chances are you're right.
This is exactly why I wanted to post everything I found on Omodox here so that others can validate some of the details. Thanks Greg!
Related links:
Mention of Swatch in Wikipedia
Mention of Swatch in a forum
Omodox references in Mikrolisk
Omodox TM owned by Delma
Delma's current ownership details
Well researched! What a fascinating tale. The movement is really interesting. I can’t recall seeing that architecture before.
Cool watch!
Thank you, Tim!
I found this bit in multiple forums but couldn't find a single official document that tied Delma to Swatch. So chances are you're right.
This is exactly why I wanted to post everything I found on Omodox here so that others can validate some of the details. Thanks Greg!
Related links:
Mention of Swatch in Wikipedia
Mention of Swatch in a forum
Omodox references in Mikrolisk
Omodox TM owned by Delma
Delma's current ownership details
Omodox trademark is with Delma in 1986, definitely no questions there - but Delma to Swatch is not one I’m aware of.
It’s refreshing to have someone come on, post something like this, and then ask for more info. This is A grade material, there is little us vintage bastards can add to this. I don’t believe Delma are part of the Swatch Group, they are still independent (or claim to be).
I also have an FHF 67 powered watch, but in a HK-based jobber with a roulette date wheel. It’s a great movement. It was in circulation right up until the mid-70s. I’d put yours late 1950s into the 1960s based on the style and the numerals.
Nice watch - genuinely. Nothing much to bring to this, you’ve added to the flow.
That is one beautiful timepiece, Chris! Also love the wheel train bridge on your movement, quite fashionable. Thank you for age-guessing my Omodox, wanted to know that since I got it.
Regarding the Delma-Swatch connection, I'll correct it. Just waiting for a few more people to give some input so that I can amend everything at once.
That is one beautiful timepiece, Chris! Also love the wheel train bridge on your movement, quite fashionable. Thank you for age-guessing my Omodox, wanted to know that since I got it.
Regarding the Delma-Swatch connection, I'll correct it. Just waiting for a few more people to give some input so that I can amend everything at once.
I’m not taking anything away from your write-up, top-tier content, and this is the stuff @Aurelian and I thrive off; your sources just got a little carried away, but it’s no issue 😉
I have a Smiths Astral with those numerals at late 50s/early 60s, they were en vogue at that time.
I’m not taking anything away from your write-up, top-tier content, and this is the stuff @Aurelian and I thrive off; your sources just got a little carried away, but it’s no issue 😉
I have a Smiths Astral with those numerals at late 50s/early 60s, they were en vogue at that time.
Oh my friend would love to see this beauty! Those numerals plus that red arrow second hand! Do these kind of numerals have any name?
Oh my friend would love to see this beauty! Those numerals plus that red arrow second hand! Do these kind of numerals have any name?
I honestly haven’t a clue
Well done getting the info you have so far,one of the joys of this hobby is finding out about the history of brand’s especially when you find something as gorgeous as this. I just smiled when I saw that dial & that’s the acid test when looking at watches,if it makes you smile it’s a winner & this is a winner.
I honestly haven’t a clue
I'll call them art deco numbers then :)
Well done getting the info you have so far,one of the joys of this hobby is finding out about the history of brand’s especially when you find something as gorgeous as this. I just smiled when I saw that dial & that’s the acid test when looking at watches,if it makes you smile it’s a winner & this is a winner.
Thank you, Curtis! Totally agree with you.
Numerals are awesome on this one!
Numerals are awesome on this one!
Yes. Love those!