ABOUT THIS WATCH

There is no denying the understated elegance of a simple gold dress watch, and I am of the opinion that everyone should own one whether they wear it everyday or save it for special occasions. This 18k pink gold Omega 2181 with a gorgeous waffle dial is a fine example of one of those such watches that might be the only gold dress watch you ever need to own.

The first thing one might notice about this watch that sets it apart from many others of its generation is its size. At almost 38mm in diameter, these jumbo Omegas were some of the largest, considering that the average dress watch during that time was 30-34mm. It’s a characteristic that actually makes this watch somewhat modern by today's standards while still possessing an obvious vintage feel. But while it’s beauty and size are the easiest selling points of this piece, it’s true value lies in what’s inside.

Omega’s 30t2 movement is easily one of the best manual wind time only movements ever made for its accuracy, reliability and durability and its DNA still permeates through every manual wind watch Omega has produced since the 30t2’s inception in 1939. Despite the movement’s durability, it is continually getting harder to find serviced examples in good working condition, much less in as beautiful condition such as the one presented here.

It’s actually not common to find any watch of this age in this excellent of shape, especially the dial. I must admit that the freshness of the dial tempts me to question whether it’s completely untouched, however after very close inspection of the printing and the logo under a loupe, thorough research of the model and consulting with well-known experts of these watches I’m confident in my assessment of it’s originality. Such things are difficult to replicate correctly and vintage watches in this sort of original condition, while scarce, definitely do exist.

Most importantly, this watch is hard to take your eyes off of and is a complete joy to wear and wind. Paired with a taupe leather double box-stitched strap with a matching 18k pink gold vintage Omega buckle, this versatile gold watch is ready to pull double duties starting with Zoom meetings during the day then easily transitioning into the perfect accessory for your fancy socially-distanced get together in the evening.

WATCH SPECS

Brand: Omega 
Model: Jumbo Sub Seconds
Reference: 2181 
Year: 1947 
Material: 18k pink gold 
Dimensions: 37.8mm diameter, 9mm thickness w/ crystal
Crystal: Acrylic
Lume: N/A 
Caliber: Omega Cal. 265 30t2 manual winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: Taupe Box Stitched Leather Strap from JPM + genuine Omega vintage 18k pink gold buckle
Lug Width: 19mm