ANTIQUE c.1890s OMEGA .800 Silver Memento Mori Jump-Hour Digital Pocket Watch

Presented for acquisition is an exceptionally rare and highly collectible antique Omega pocket watch dating to the late 19th century (circa 1890s). This remarkable timepiece combines the esteemed watchmaking pedigree of Omega with the profound philosophical tradition of Memento Mori (Latin for “remember you must die”). The dial features a striking, Gothic-inspired Danse Macabre (Dance of Death) motif, depicting skeletal figures playing musical instruments—a poignant Victorian-era reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of time.

Beyond its compelling artwork, this watch is a horological marvel of its era, featuring a highly sought-after jump-hour digital aperture. Rather than a traditional hour hand, the hour is displayed digitally on a rotating disc viewed through a cut-out window, while a single central hand sweeps the outer minute track. This sophisticated mechanical complication represents a pinnacle of late 19th-century Swiss ingenuity, housed within a substantial .800 solid silver case.

Technical Specifications

• Maker: OMEGA

• Era: Late Victorian / Antique (c. 1890s)

• Case Material: .800 Solid Silver (Fully hallmarked)

• Case Diameter: 52mm

• Dial: Polychrome enamel Memento Mori “Danse Macabre” scene with a jump-hour digital aperture (displaying Roman numerals) and a 60-minute outer track (displaying Arabic numerals).

• Movement: Omega manual-wind mechanical movement, gilt finish.

• Operating State: Recently fully serviced; in perfect working condition.

Detailed Condition & Macro-Photographic Report

This historical mechanical artifact has been meticulously preserved. Please refer to the detailed macro photography provided for a precise visual inspection:

• Dial & Digital Complication : High-magnification views reveal the intricate details of the skeletal musicians and the crisp “MEMENTO MORI” and “OMEGA” typography. The jump-hour aperture at the 6 o’clock position cleanly frames the Roman numeral hour disc, while the intricate filigree minute hand tracks the outer red and black Arabic numerals. The dial is in phenomenal condition, free of major hairlines or chips.

• Case Exterior : The solid silver case back features a beautifully preserved engine-turned guilloché pattern. At the center rests a blank, unmonogrammed cartouche framed by elegant floral and foliate scrollwork. The case shows minimal wear, retaining excellent definition in the engravings.

• Hallmarks & Purity : The inner case back displays crisp, definitive stampings, including the historic Omega logo, the “0.800” silver purity mark, the Swiss grouse hallmark, and the German Imperial crown and crescent moon (indicating it was originally cased for the German market). Serial number 4588070 is clearly legible.

• Movement : The gilt-finished Omega movement is exceptionally clean and bright. The bi-metallic balance wheel, blued steel screws, and precision regulator highlight the top-tier Swiss craftsmanship. Having been recently serviced, the watch winds smoothly, sets correctly, and keeps excellent time.

Condition Summary: Outstanding antique condition. The structural integrity of the .800 silver case is excellent, with tight hinges and a secure closure. The complex jump-hour mechanism functions flawlessly. A superb, fully functional collector’s piece that seamlessly merges mechanical mastery with esoteric Gothic art.

Please review all high-resolution images carefully as they serve as a definitive extension of this technical description.