Antique WWII Era U-Boat Submarine Officer’s Award Omega Pocket Watch

A rare and historically resonant WWII-era Omega pocket watch, featuring a military-style case intricately engraved with:

• A U‑boat illustration beneath an iron-cross motif
• The marking “U‑166” and the year “1941”

This presentation piece suggests it was awarded to a U‑boat officer during wartime service.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Brand: Omega (Swiss-made)
• Dial: Crisp white enamel with black 24-hour numerals, sub-seconds dial, and a matching U‑boat image below the Omega logo
• Hands: Original blued‑steel hands
• Movement: Omega manual‑wind, 15‑jewel, serial 8685455 — in perfect working order
• Case: Silver-tone military-style case, Omega-signed, serial 9487373, approx. 50 mm diameter
• Engravings: Detailed U‑boat depiction, iron-cross emblem, “U‑166 / 1941” marking
• Condition: Vintage wear on the enamel dial (minor hairlines); case engraving remains crisp; movement is clean, accurate, and fully functional

Historical Context: U-166 (1942)

Here is some background to elevate the story behind this exceptional timepiece:

• U‑166 was a long‑range Type IX‑C submarine deployed during WWII, making history as the only U‑boat ever sunk in the Gulf of Mexico  .
• On July 30, 1942, U‑166 torpedoed the passenger vessel Robert E. Lee, resulting in its sinking  .
• The escorting patrol craft, PC‑566, attacked immediately and successfully sank U‑166 with depth charges. The vessel—along with all 52 crew members—was lost that day  .
• The true circumstances were confirmed only in 2001, when the wreck of the U‑166 was discovered just a short distance from the Robert E. Lee wreck during offshore surveying in the Gulf  .
• This discovery vindicated the PC‑566’s commanding officer, who was posthumously honored—decades later—with the Legion of Merit for his accurate report and successful action  .

This watch, engraved “U-166 1941,” likely references the U-166’s commissioning year and its associated service—adding a deeply evocative layer of naval heritage to this collectible.

Listing Highlights

• One-of-a-kind naval history–themed Omega timepiece
• Features original movement and enamel dial with meaningful wartime engraving
• A large 50 mm case offers striking presence and authenticity
• Fully operational, timekeeping precisely
• Backed by compelling historical story of U-166’s service and tragic loss.
• The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2000

Shipping & Handling

• Secure worldwide shipping available
• Professionally packaged to ensure safe delivery