ANTIQUE c.1940s OMEGA German Navy U-Boat Officer’s Award Pocket Watch U-120

Presented for acquisition is an exceptionally rare, historically significant antique Omega pocket watch dating to the 1940s. During this era, precision timekeeping was paramount for maritime navigation, synchronized naval operations, and sub-surface tactical maneuvers. Omega, globally renowned for its uncompromising accuracy and durability, was frequently contracted to produce robust timepieces for military use.

This specific watch was commissioned as an official officer’s award piece for the German Navy, specifically honoring the elite submarine service. The dial is custom-commissioned with the traditional Iron Cross and a highly detailed silhouette of a submarine, distinctly designated as the “U-120”. Surviving naval award watches of this caliber—especially those directly linking the prestigious Omega manufacture to specific 1940s German submarine fleets—are incredibly scarce, making this a premier acquisition for serious horological and military collectors.

Technical Specifications

• Maker: OMEGA

• Era: 1940s

• Military Affiliation: German Navy (Submarine Fleet / U-boat)

• Case Material: Base metal (typical of period military production)

• Case Diameter: 48mm

• Dial: White military dial with prominent Arabic numerals, outer 24-hour track, sub-seconds register, Iron Cross motif, and U-120 submarine insignia.

• Movement: Omega manual-wind mechanical movement, 15 Jewels, gilt finish.

• Operating State: Tested and in perfect working condition.

Detailed Condition & Macro-Photographic Report

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

• Dial & Insignia (DSC_0099.jpg & DSC_0101.jpg): The dial is in remarkable condition, featuring stark, highly legible black Arabic numerals surrounded by a blue outer 24-hour military time track. The center of the dial commands attention with the Iron Cross on the left and the U-120 submarine silhouette on the right. The original blued steel military-style hands retain their rich, heat-treated color, and the subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position is crisp.

• Case Exterior (DSC_0102.jpg): The plain, unadorned snap-back case reflects the utilitarian, anti-reflective design mandated for naval equipment. The metal shows a smooth, even patina with minor surface wear commensurate with authentic 1940s military service. It is free of deep gouges or structural damage.

• Inner Case & Hallmarks (DSC_0103.jpg): The interior of the case back is distinctly stamped with the classic Omega triangle logo, alongside “FAB. SUISSE” and “SWISS-MADE”. The case serial number 9081454 is clearly engraved at the bottom.

• Movement (DSC_0104.jpg): The engine of this watch is a top-tier 15 Jewel Omega movement, featuring a brilliant gilt finish. The plates are cleanly stamped with “OMEGA”, “SWISS”, “15 JEWELS”, and the movement serial number 8282652. The bi-metallic balance wheel, blued hairspring, and regulating index are in excellent condition. The watch winds smoothly, sets precisely, and operates perfectly.

Condition Summary: Outstanding authentic condition. The structural integrity of the 48mm case is excellent, with tight closure. The dial and military motifs are exceptionally preserved. A superb, fully functional collector’s piece that stands as a testament to mid-20th-century naval history and Omega’s mechanical mastery.

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