The Origins of a Legend — Early Omega Chronograph with Pre-Speedmaster Soul - Omega Pre-Cal. 321 Chronograph Ref. 2279

Before it powered the Speedmaster that went to the Moon, Omega’s Caliber 321 had already earned its place in horological history — and the Ref. 2279 is one of its earliest and rarest stages.

This 35 mm stainless steel chronograph features a clean, symmetrical cream-colored dial with sharp syringe hands, bold Arabic numerals, and a register layout. The original luminous material, now evenly aged, adds to the vintage warmth and charm. Long beveled lugs, square pushers, and a signed Omega crown complete the classic design.

Inside ticks the early version of the legendary Cal. 321, derived from Lemania’s 27CHRO C12 and developed by Albert Piguet in 1941 — known for its reliability, beauty, and crisp chronograph action. Later iterations of this movement would make history inside the Speedmaster, but it all started here.

The reference 2279 was produced in small numbers from 1943 to 1957, making this well-preserved example an exceptional collector’s find — a bridge between early Omega chronographs and the golden era of tool watches.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched cream colored dial in flawless condition
• original hands, dial and crown
• original and evenly aged lume on hands and dial

STRAP & BUCKLE:

• light grey GOLDAMMER leather strap fitting up to 21 cm wrist size / 2 mm thick
• original stainless stell Omega buckle

CASE:

• excellent overall condition, showing minor traces of use
• 3- body stainless steel case with snap-on case back from 
• 35 mm (without crown) / 42 mm (lug-to-lug) / 18 mm (between lugs) / 12.3 mm thick
• Reference: 2279 - 3
• Year: 1940s
  

MOVEMENT:

• Omega Pre Caliber 321 - manual wind
• 17 jewels, 18000 A/h, 44 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced 09/2025
• +15 sec/d / 310°

BOX & PAPERS:

• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
• GOLDAMMER box

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1173