In a time when history is under seige and people have long forgotten the accomplishments of the greatest generation I find it refreshing that a young man like your self, TGV, has so much respect for incalculable sacrifices made by young men and women during WWII. To own a part of that history is compelling and will get me to grab a piece myself. Thanks for posting this...Your appreciation for the value of history is lost among this generation. Bravo...
This must be the most epic of all your reviews, by far. I cannot imagine the profound honor and reverence to have such a piece of true history in your hands, but i really like to see how you really understand that feeling and shared it with us... Congratulations Tristano!
Yes I’d say out of all the watches you own or buy this one is the most valuable or should be . As you quite rightly said “what stories could this watch tell” and that’s the most valuable thing in the world . It is the pioneer of wartime watch heritageness , Britishness , military significance and a whole host of amazing reasons . I’d rather have this watch than any sub, skx, sarb or microbrand homage just for the sheer history of it - it’s unequivocally a legendary rich piece of history . It deserves respect leagues above the mass produced playboy wrist jewellery watches of today .
These reviews are very clear and very concise. They are also quite informative and allow the subscriber to make an informed decision prior to purchase. Awesome Reviews & a amazingly gifted correspondent.
Your excitement level nearly broke my iPad screen TGV! It'll probably take about a month to power down your grin, but I recon it's cool to see your genuine buzz from taking delivery of your excellent and very historic piece. That sort of enthusiasm's what it's all about now isn't it 👍🏻⌚️😎
I am going to see Dunkirk later in the week at the Alamo theater in Bucksport Maine. I can thank you for getting me in depth to watches, and to go to a movie theater for the first time since 2011. Sherlock Holmes a game of Shadows was the film I saw. Thanks again.
Congratulations!! I think I was almost as excited as you were lol! That watch is gorgeous. I love it I love it I love it! I think it's so great to save and cherish these vintage pieces especially since most our beloved and brave men and women who served and fought during that time period are no longer with us. Cheers my friend.
Fantastic choice, TGV! And love the straps you got. Have the red-white-blue one myself and it's definitely one of my favorites. Enjoy the new watch! ;D
Hi TGV Wonderful historic timepiece. I guess this one will stay in your collection. Surely it has patinaed in the perfect way. Congrats✌️ Keep up the good work👍
Hi TGV: You stated that the watch and magazine are from '43. I am curious about a D-Day article appearing in the magazine before the actual event commenced on June 6, 1944. Thanks, Michael
The term "D-Day" is a military term which refers to the day an operation is to take place. I might also point out that "H-Hour" refers to the hour that said operation is to begin and or time on target. Most folks know it as the invasion of Normandy but can be any mission. Hope that helps.
I finally got to see Dunkirk yesterday ... like Saving Private Ryan, it's one of those movies that puts all your 'worries' in perspective ... How easily people lose perspective, though ... :/ ... Life, peace, democracy ... all of these things are precious and tenuous, and are only there because people valued them (and us, who enjoy it) enough to risk it all for them. If we reminded ourselves of this more often, the world would be a much better and kinder place. Your new watch is not just a beautiful piece of history and horology, but a reminder of all these things/a momento mori, to boot! Love it. Enjoy it in good health! Great vid ... "Cheers, Gov!" :)
So today i discovered that my english professor is one of those people who wear their watch on the inside of their wrist. My only thought? "How ghastly"
I would encourage you to check out Haveston straps. They're out of the UK, and they make premium quality NATO straps in famous historical color schemes. For example, the Carrier is in light / medium / dark blue that US Pacific Fleet airplanes were painted in during WWII. The M-22 mirrors the colors the varying shades of gray the ships were painted in to camouflage them. The Invasion is the black, green, and white stripe painted on Allied aircraft on the eve of the D-Day Invasion. And there are others. I believe these straps would look KILLER on this watch, and would fit the history of the piece. I think you said the lug width was 18. Sadly, the smallest size they currently carry is 20, but from following them on social media, I seem to think they might be coming out with an 18.
I don't collect watch anymore but i watch your videos. Now finally you found real appreciation of time and space... it looks like new MOD issue strap(admiralty grey: color) but you didn't talk anything about that specific strap. I hope you will feature more military issued watches used in the battle field. Anyway thank you for showing the watch
Beautiful watch with so much character and history. Seeing you so excited was a pleasure lol. Out of curiosity, when you bought this really old piece what did you do in terms of servicing? Did you send it to your watchmaker straight away to service or did this come with service history from recent years? Please keep up the good work my friend
Another great video on a subject and watch which has a significant place in history. Love these kind of watches. They have a character and story to tell. Although I get your point on the Speedy I also love that it holds a special place in history. I myself have been inspired to hunt for a WW2 Omega after watching Dunkirk and your videos. My Great Uncle served with the RAAF (Royal Australian Airforce) during WW2 in the Pacific campaigns. He was flying PBY Catalina boat planes which were used as scout and anti submarine warfare. On one mission over the South China Sea he and his crew had to ditch due to engine failure. They spent days in the rough ocean awaiting to be rescued. 2 crew drowned. Eventually a British Destroyer (HMS Tenacity) picked them up. They were lucky not to fall into Japanese hands. A fate worse than death for downed airmen!
Many of these were taken back into stores, recased and redialed then reissued as 6B/159. I have one of those that belonged to my dad when he served in the RAF. They look practically the same. Omega still have parts for the 30mm. I had mine fixed recently and it is running +2 seconds. Its my most accurate watch.
I feel vindicated by seeing an articulate, intelligent, worldly adult exhibiting this level of child like enthusiasm for that intangible link to something bigger than oneself, to the history, the significance. And I am a certifiable Spitfirephile so... big grin here for sure. I love your historically oriented videos, and hope to see more of them. Huge thanks for all you do, a pleasure as always.
Bloody good show ! I have an ultra affordable facsmilie of this,a Zim with blued hands with a dome acrylic crystal...a hand cranker to boot. Well done once again TGV
1943, talk about poetic timing, an almost out of body experience. What a feeling it must be just to strap that beautiful iconic Omega on and feel the humanity behind it. I'm rather speechless as I type. Some of the Dunkirk beach scenes were filmed almost in my backyard on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (So-Cal). Thank You, TGV.
i am GLAD to see you are also into vintage watches. most of mine are. 40s 50s and 60s. but, i give you this, i am also into the newer stuff some, bec of your channel. i have a seiko SKX and orient. great channel. stress some vintage stuff like this once in awhile.
Very nice, I have a similar one my grandfather bought shortly after the war. Also have a quick question for you, I've been thinking of getting a vintage omega constellation with the "C" style case, however, I noticed that you have never reviewed a constellation. Why is that?
No point in forcing yourself to buy a watch because it is an icon or other people love it. Go with what you are passionate for. I'm a Speedy owner but I have to say some Speedy owners are so needy. I've seen it more with a Speedy than any other watch but people who own the Speedy feel a need to rant and rave about how awesome it is and constantly get admiration and acceptance from others. I will give the Speedy one thing. It is a true watch enthusiast's watch. I don't think anyone will buy that watch if they don't love the watch hobby. It doesn't stand out to the average joe and most people don't know its history. Sure, it's simple and beautiful in it's timeless design but it really speaks to the watch enthusiast. I will one day own a WW2 Omega myself.
Absolutely beautiful watch. I love the simplicity! Are there any budget watches that share a similar simple design inspirired by this watch and are in the same small size? This would be literally my perfect watch but is completely out of my budget.
TGV great video as always. Perhaps an idea for a future video , you could give some tips on how..... 1. where to buy such ww2 pieces 2.how to check their authenticity. 3.how to decide if they're overpriced. i ask this because im seriously looking for the German equivalent, a Stowa flieger. Theres plenty out there, but id be very scared to committ to one. cheers Andy mci.
beautiful watch that is such a historical watch congrats. i think that it would be cool if you could find out who wore that watch and learn the history of that specific watch. but that is very much impossible but again congrats enjoy it have a great day
How you get so lucky at buying these vintage pieces? When checking ebay I only find a lot of watches in very bad condition!. You have an amazing content, cheers TGV!
Second! Also, classic Omega (1960s and earlier) is where its at - it was their peak in prestige and standing in the watch industry, and all in house movements. Im on the hunt for a vintage constellation
Hi there, I've been a new member of your channel its been almost 2 weeks. I love it!! I've always loved watches but you inspired me to go further into collecting and into horology. I've just recently purchased an SKX007 from Island Watch (Tks. to your recommendation of the watch and seller). I honestly look forward to your videos.... BTW did you purchase your Rolex Submariner new? Tks.. and like you say Caio!
I do like the long thin lugs, the beautiful numerals, the patina of the dial and the blued hand!!! IMHO the 2292 HS8 is one of the best looking watches ever!!! Thanks for the video! P.S. If you see the Moonwatch everywhere thy the (huge looking, but surprisingly wearable) Omega Speedmaster 125th cal. 1041.
Very cool its GORGEOUS!!!! Made in the UK too eh?!?! PERFECTION. The horological gods are with us today ;-) Thank you Jacob, I may have to order some more. Best regards, TGV
The Urban Gentry You can find them on eBay from a seller who I believe sells them direct from the factory. They've made straps for the MOD as well, plus they come in other colors and patterns too! Re-edited, just confirmed with the seller that they have indeed been under contract with the MOD to supply straps for issuing.
Your other video with the vintage Omega from the 50s inspired me to find one just like it! And I got lucky with the price too! It's from 1951 and I won the auction at $200!
Nice looking Omega. Congrats. I wish you would have showed us the case back and inside case back - as you know, Military-issued watches have very specific markings/engravings. These are often overlooked by amateur watch noobies and they think they have one category of watch, when, in fact it's another (or a marriage). A lot of people get burned this way - would be a great opportunity for you to educate your viewers on what to look for - and how to validate the provenance of Military issue watches whether Omega, IWC, other suppliers, etc.
Judging by the relatively squared off end of the NATO and the tight weave, it looks like an authentic Phoenix, MOD-spec, NATO strap. Maybe made in UK? Seems perfect for the spirit of the watch!
Tom Vogt I agree it looks great on the one supposed to tgv but a NATO strap is historically inaccurate to be pedantic . ww2 6B/159s were supplied with open-ended leather (usually pigskin) not NATO straps which never made an appearance til the 70’s
TGV as an almost daily reader of your channel may l, as an Ex-Squadron Leader who flew Spitfires, thank you so much for your enthusiasm for most things British. Like yourself l also dress smartly (though not necessarily from Saville Row) and admire your taste in clothing and accessories . Best Wishes for a healthy future
Nice to see that sonebody else loves ww2 watches. I have the honor to own 3 ww2 watches one is a wristwatch from a major from the german headquarter in berlin one from the british army and a self purchased orator from a german sergeant have a great day and beautiful video as always
Congrats! I love vintage watches and instantly fell in love with this Omega. Just bought one myself, maybe not in such a great condition as yours, but wonderful anyways :) I will put in on a nylon NATO initially, but don't you think a velour or vintage leather NATO will suit it best?
I can no longer find this watch at USD400. Prices are nearing the USD2000s! Did TGV’s review of this watch bump up the market’s demand for it? Still, a beautiful piece. If I could only find one for USD400-500...
It's true that if one day speedmaster reaches a level of fame or even culture (eg. hipsters) / status symbol as sub, people might look at speedmaster differently. Luckily in my social circle, sub still outnumbered speedy by almost 5:1, so keeping a speedy is more 'exciting' and special.
