With the
reintroduction of the Omega Deville Tresor line in 2014 and the latest series
of 125th Anniversary offerings like the example shown above, there
has been renewed interest in the original series produced from 1949. Originally manufactured for markets that
didn’t have the purchasing power of the First World, such as much of South
America, the Tresor was an elegant and somewhat minimalist showcase for the
famous 30mm series of Omega movements.
Many of the
Tresor models were encased in 18 karat pink (or rose) gold slim-line cases, a
favoured hue amongst many South Americans and their Middle-Eastern
counterparts, and another reason for their resurgence amongst Western
collectors today, pink gold currently enjoying a comeback in the West. Some models were also comparatively large at
37.5mm diameter, a real attraction amongst the “big-is-better” contingent of present-day
collectors and hipsters who need to make a statement about recycling.
I’ve read
several internet pieces on Tresors authored by collectors over the years, but
none as comprehensive as the work completed by Edmundo Klophaus, a long-term
Tresor devotee. We were recently
communicating on other matters horological and he happened to mention that he
had produced an essay and database on these delightfully understated pieces. We agreed that it was a timely resource to
make available to Omega devotees.
Edmundo has invested a significant amount
of labour and research in creating this survey of Tresors, and is deserving of
our gratitude for adding to the Omega body of knowledge. You can access the
document here.
In addition to his work on Tresors, Edmundo has laboured away on a comprehensive survey of Omega Seamaster models, an extremely useful document when appraising Seamasters for originality. The Seamaster document can be found here
In addition to his work on Tresors, Edmundo has laboured away on a comprehensive survey of Omega Seamaster models, an extremely useful document when appraising Seamasters for originality. The Seamaster document can be found here
A very impressive and comprehensive survey. I have what I'd always believed to be a Tresor but mine is a 1950 example with the case made by Dennison's of Birmingham. As with Seamasters and Constellations, Dennison's made the cases in the UK and fitted them out with imported Omega movements and dials. I'd be interested to hear your views.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Let's know the case markings and Edmundo will be able to offer his insights.
DeleteRegards
Desmond
Hi Desmond
ReplyDeleteIn my essay on British Constellations pages 6 and 25/26 there is a description of my Tresor. Case markings are reference/model 13302 and case serial number and British hallmark date it to 1950. Movement is a 283 manual wind.
Let me know if there is anything else you need
Best wishes
Andrew
Excellent Andrew, I'll follow up.
DeleteCheers
Desmond
Hi Andrew,
DeleteChecked in with Edmundo and he said the 13302 looks very much like the 2624 that also had a 283 caliber. It would be good to know the diameter in mm to see if it is also 35mm.
If so, it looks as you suggested, a UK iteration of this collection.
Cheers
Desmond
It is indeed 35mm (35.5 according to my digital calipers). I'm very interested to know that it had an Omega equivalent. In fact, this is exactly like the later Seamasters and Constellations cased by Dennisons in that they were almost exact copies of Omega cases.
ReplyDeleteHi Desmond, this page has an erroneous link in the list to the right.
ReplyDeleteThe "https//" has to be removed in order to access in here.
Thanks
Best,
Álvaro
Hi Alvaro,
DeleteHmm, I tried it and there was an error box saying HTP Error, and then I I reloaded and it came up.
I'll renew the link and see what happens.
Thanks for the heads up
Cheers
Desmond