Antique WWI German Pilot’s Award OMEGA Grand Prix Silver Pocket Watch c1916

This remarkable Omega pocket watch serves as a rare and captivating artifact from the early days of military aviation. Dating to circa 1916, this piece was likely commissioned as a presentation or award watch for a pilot in the Imperial German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) during World War I.

The dial is heavily customized with patriotic and military motifs that tell a profound historical story. It proudly displays the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), a quintessential symbol of German military valor, alongside a highly detailed depiction of an early WWI-era monoplane (reminiscent of the iconic Etrich Taube). Centered beneath these is the historic motto “Gott mit uns” (God with us), a rallying cry famously worn on the belt buckles of German soldiers during the Great War. Timepieces with such specific military aviation provenance are incredibly scarce and highly coveted by military historians and horological collectors alike.

Item Specifications

• Manufacturer: Omega

• Era/Year: Circa 1916 (World War I)

• Case Material: 0.800 solid silver with elegant rose gold-filled trim around the bezel and case lips.

• Case Dimensions: 51.5mm diameter (excluding crown and bow).

• Case Back: The exterior case back features a crisp, tactile engine-turned (guilloché) pattern centered around a blank, unmonogrammed circular cartouche.

• Inner Hallmarks: The inner case back is fully hallmarked with the Omega stamp, the 0.800 silver purity mark, and the case serial number 5833003.

• Dust Cover (Cuvette): The inner cuvette  is beautifully engraved with “OMEGA” surrounded by intricate exhibition medals, highlighting the brand’s Grand Prix awards.

• Dial: Original white enamel dial in exceptional condition. It features clear, highly legible black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a sunken sub-seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position . The dial is brought to life by ornate, Louis XV-style rose gold hands .

• Movement: High-grade Omega manual-wind mechanical movement . Features a bi-metallic split balance wheel and micro-regulator, stamped with the serial number 4066276.

Condition Report

• Mechanical Condition: Perfect working order. The movement is clean, winds smoothly, and keeps excellent time.

• Cosmetic Condition: Excellent antique condition. The 0.800 silver case shows a warm, original patina with minor, honest surface wear commensurate with over a century of history and military use . The rose gold-filled accents remain vibrant. The enamel dial is remarkably well-preserved, with the custom military decals and typography remaining sharp and distinct.

Please review all provided photographs carefully, as they represent the physical condition of the watch and are considered part of the description. The watch comes with AN APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2800