1958 Omega Ranchero CK 2990 with Omega Extract
Ref: CK 2990
Specification
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Omega Extract from the Archives
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original OMEGA box or paperwork but does have its OMEGA extract. The watch comes paired with an 18mm leather strap. The watch is from Circa. September 1958 and is sold in worn, vintage condition, wear and age can be seen throughout the watch, but overall this is a fantastic example of this rare reference. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Formerly known as the La Generale Watch Co., Louis Brandt founded it in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848. In 1903, they renamed their company Omega until 1982, when they officially changed their name to Omega SA. They are today part of the Swiss Swatch Group. The first Omega Seamasters was based loosely around waterproof watches made for the Royal Navy. What made the Seamaster appealing was using an O-Ring gasket which gave it temperature and depth resistance. In 1955, the Swiss Laboratory for Watch Research tested out 50 Seamaster cases with a 60-meter depth rating. Omega was so confident that they strapped one to the outside of a plane and flew it over the North pole in 1956.
Here we have a rare 1958 Omega Ranchero CK 2990 created to be the fourth tool watch in a series of watches that included the Seamaster 300, the Speedmaster, and the Railmaster introduced in 1957. Sharing many of the same features as the trio, the name Ranchero in Spanish means “Ranch Hand” which was met with resistance from Spanish-speaking countries who were put off by the name. The watch was quickly discontinued in 1959 after poor sales. The 36mm stainless steel case gently curves towards the tapered lugs. A lug to lug length of 44.5mm and a case thickness of 9mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side is a signed screw-down crown. The stepped smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a black dial. An outer minute track with spear point indexes coated in Radium. Large Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9 with a small seconds register at 6 o’clock. Broad arrow hands coated in Radium complete this striking dial. Text is precisely printed at 12 o’clock. On the reverse, a snap-off case back. Inside a manually wound Omega Cal. 267, 17 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on an 18mm leather strap. The watch comes with an Omega extract.
Personal Note
We were fortunate enough to have sold a "Seamaster" Ranchero a little while back, even rarer than this reference, but this reference is still incredibly rare and offers a ton of value in the vintage Omega world right now. I really do believe these still have a long way to go in appreciation, mainly due to the fact they are hard to find in original and fantastic condition like this, plus more and more collectors are holding on to theirs, and rightfully so!