OMEGA 30T2 PC MANUAL WIND 1940s PRESENTATION WATCH WITH MBE PROVENANCE, VINTAGE OMEGA BOX

Overview

A beautiful and highly original vintage Omega powered by the renowned Calibre 30T2 PC manual wind movement.

What makes this watch particularly special is its remarkable provenance. The caseback is engraved to Thomas Herbert Messenger MBE, allowing the original recipient to be identified through contemporary records, newspaper archives, official honours lists, probate records, and historical research. Few vintage presentation watches can be traced so clearly to their original owner.

The watch is offered with a period correct vintage Omega presentation box and is fitted with a quality black lizard grain leather strap.

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Key Details

* Omega Calibre 30T2 PC manual wind movement
* Movement serial 10,743,583 dating production to approximately 1944
* Stainless steel case
* 34mm case diameter excluding crown
* Approximately 36mm including crown
* 18mm lug width
* Original signed Omega crown
* Sub seconds dial
* Black lizard grain leather strap
* Vintage Omega presentation box included

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Condition

The watch presents beautifully.

The original dial has developed an attractive and even aged patina across its surface, giving it a warm vintage appearance that suits the watch perfectly. Applied gilt hour markers, Arabic numerals and matching hands remain clear and attractive.

The stainless steel case remains in very good condition with elegant flowing lugs and excellent wrist presence for a watch of this era.

The movement is particularly clean and has been tested on a professional timegrapher with the following results:

* Rate: -1 second per day
* Amplitude: 264°
* Beat Error: 1.6ms

These are excellent figures for a watch approaching eighty years of age.

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The Engraving & Provenance

The stainless steel snap back case is engraved:

"Vernon Hall Sutton
To
T.H. Messenger
1927-1953
Matt. XXV. 21"

The biblical reference is to Matthew 25:21:

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Research strongly indicates that the recipient was Thomas Herbert Messenger MBE (1899-1966), a distinguished British research chemist who spent his career with the Research Association of British Rubber Manufacturers.

Contemporary records show that Messenger joined the Association in 1923, worked in its laboratories, transferred to its internationally respected library department in 1927, and became Head of the Intelligence Division in 1951.

In 1957 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his contributions to British industry.

Historical records also connect him with Vernon Hall and the Plymouth Brethren community in Sutton. Significantly, his probate record shows that he later left a specific bequest to Vernon Road Chapel in Sutton, providing a compelling link to the organisation named in the watch engraving.

While many presentation watches survive, very few can be traced so clearly to an identifiable individual whose life and achievements can still be documented today.

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Why Buy This Watch?

The Omega 30T2 family has long been respected for its quality, reliability and elegant design. Combined with its documented presentation inscription and well researched provenance to Thomas Herbert Messenger MBE, this example offers far more than a standard vintage dress watch.

It is a highly wearable Omega from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, accompanied by a fascinating and well documented piece of British social and industrial history.

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