The 30mm, 1939
The original OMEGA 30mm designed by Henri Kneuss in 1939 would, in time, evolve into a family of calibres which defined the brand’s status as the producer of the most accurate timepieces in the world. Millions of 30mm calibres would be produced.
Designer: Henri Kneuss (under the direction of Henri Gerber)
Description: Due to its exceptional flexibility, regulating performance, robustness and ease of maintenance, this legendary calibre was for Swiss-quality gentlemen's wristwatches what, from 1894, the 19''' had been for pocket-watches of the period. Extensive research enabled ideally proportioned components to be used, which accounted for its top quality performance. The surface area of the barrel and the balance was designed to be as wide as possible to allow a first class regulating performance. The most efficient transmission of power was found by paying meticulous attention to the dimensions of the gears: the smallest escapement possible was used for the high-quality calibre.
The 30mm would evolve into a family of calibres which would help write the history of watchmaking for a quarter of a century, from 1939 to 1963. Among its first major customer was the British military, who ordered the watch in large quantities during the Second World War to equip its sea and land troops as well as its RAF pilots. The 110,000 watches ordered for the British military accounted for more than half of its total sales in 1943. In chronometer testing, though no longer used in commercially available watches, it continued to make its mark until 1967, the last year of the competitions at which, thanks to its incredible precision, it had reigned supreme practically since its launch! Its performance made the 30mm the most precise wristwatch calibre ever tested at Neuchâtel, Geneva and Kew Teddington.
With its centre-seconds derivative launched in 1940, the legacy and output of the original 30mm and its derivatives would continue to grow with over three million examples produced. Improved members of the 30mm family would be developed according to the latest innovations in watchmaking technology.
