Antique c1900 Omega Grand-Prix Silver Memento Mori Pocket Watch 49mm Working

Antique c1900 Omega Grand-Prix Silver Memento Mori Pocket Watch .

The “Memento Mori” (Latin for “Remember you must die”) tradition in horology stretches back centuries, serving as a philosophical reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the inevitable passage of time. By the turn of the 20th century, these artistic motifs experienced a resurgence among niche collectors and esoteric societies. Paired with the mechanical excellence of Omega—commemorated here by their prestigious Grand Prix award at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle—this timepiece represents a fascinating intersection of elite Swiss watchmaking and profound allegorical art.

Item Specifications

• Maker: Omega

• Era: Circa 1900s

• Theme: Memento Mori

• Dimensions: 49mm

• Case Material: 0.800 Solid Silver with gold-filled trim

• Condition: Perfect working condition

Detailed Description

The Case

• The timepiece is housed in a substantial 49mm open-face silver case, highlighted by a contrasting gold-filled trim around the front bezel.

• The exterior back cover is detailed with engine-turned guilloché engraving, centering on a blank garter-and-shield cartouche.

• The inner case back is fully hallmarked, featuring the classic Omega logo, the 0.800 silver purity stamp, the Swiss grouse hallmark, and the German crescent moon and crown.

• The case serial number 5104861 is stamped clearly on the inside back cover.

• The inner dust cover (cuvette) is elaborately engraved, displaying five grand exhibition medals alongside the text “OMEGA” and “GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900”.

• Below the exhibition text, the dust cover features a personalized cursive engraving reading “Fr. Jahn”.

The Dial

• Protected beneath the crystal is a striking white enamel dial dedicated entirely to the Memento Mori theme.

• The chapter ring features clever, highly unusual Roman numerals constructed from bone motifs.

• The vivid central scene depicts two animated skeletons in a verdant landscape; one plays a pipe instrument while the other holds a lute beside a draped stone wall.

• An outer minute track is accented with light green decorative flourishes.

• A crisp subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o’clock, prominently signed “OMEGA”.

• Time is indicated by intricate, ornate filigree hands.

The Movement

• The mechanical manual-wind movement features a beautifully clean, frosted gilt finish.

• The primary bridge is distinctly signed “OMEGA”.

• The movement bears its own unique serial number, 4197213.

• It is equipped with an exposed balance wheel and a regulator scale marked with “S R” and “F A” for timing adjustments.