Rare Omega single button chronograph

[bobridley]

I recently had the opportunity to service a rare stainless steel, single button chronograph with the hack feature and thought you'd like to see some pictures.
As noted on the case back, this model was made for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

[AzPaul]

That's one great looking piece.

[FTX I]

Very nice. Congrats!

[Darlinboy]

Rare piece indeeed, and moreso with the military issue. Have seen a very similar one signed Lemania, over on the Omega Forum. Nicely sized at 38mm, and in great condition. Haven't see one of these come up in a long while.

Thanks for sharing it here!

[bobridley]

Originally Posted by Darlinboy

Rare piece indeeed, and moreso with the military issue. Have seen a very similar one signed Lemania, over on the Omega Forum. Nicely sized at 38mm, and in great condition. Haven't see one of these come up in a long while.

Thanks for sharing it here!

Good eye.
The Lemania 2221 movement was used by Omega for the Canadian Air Force military.

Bob

[Cesium133]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Did the single button work as the start, stop, and reset button? I've only seen 2 button chronographs.

[CDNWatchNut]

Very interesting, I've not seen one prior, even in a photo. Almost like the predecessor to the chronostop, except with greater complication, running seconds and chrono minutes?
Cool watch Bob, thanks for sharing!

[Lgear080]

What a fantastic timepiece.

Made my night.

[bobridley]

Originally Posted by Cesium133

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Did the single button work as the start, stop, and reset button? I've only seen 2 button chronographs.

Many chronographs are equipped with the flyback function (a chrono sweep hand that can quickly reset back to zero), especially watches meant for pilots.

One interesting note: The single button chronograph is easier for the pilot in the context of saving time in that the chrono functions will start, stop, and reset with one quick push to the same button.

[Cesium133]

Thanks for info.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Very interesting Bob, thank you for sharing.

[wy2l]

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[bobridley]

My understanding is that the RCAF used this Omega single pusher during the 60's & 70's. I'm not sure what the production date of this model is as I don't have the Lemania serial number system.
Btw, the movement holder as shown below is not used for the single pusher chronograph.

[Wesley Crusher]

Super cool. Thanks for sharing.

[RCAFBuster]

Nice to stumble across this thread. I have HA62-304 in my collection.

[RCAFBuster]

HA62-304 Obverse

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by RCAFBuster

HA62-304 Obverse

Sweet!

[RCAFBuster]

Bob,

These RCAF Omegas were made in two batches. The HA60 (1960) 36mm and the HA62 (1962) 38mm. They had both Sterile and Logo dials and as you've eluded to the 2221 Movement was unique to the RCAF.

I was issued an Omega about 1982, so they would be recirculated through the supply system. Regrettably, I handed it back when I retired.

[SearChart]

That is pretty cool, thanks for sharing!

[Shade]

Regardless of its rarity, I think its one handsome piece!

[vintagewaferthin]

Very cool! Nothing like a nice vintage chrono. Cant wait to have mine restored.

[RCAFBuster]

Here's the HA60 to accompany the 62. Slightly smaller.

[sea-dweller]

Very classy and simple looking!

[RCAFBuster]

Six RCAF Omega single pushers (3 x HA-60/ 3 X HA-62) on RCAF Tartan.

[beaglehusky]

Originally Posted by RCAFBuster

Six RCAF Omega single pushers (3 x HA-60/ 3 X HA-62) on RCAF Tartan.

Wow!!!!


Even the straps look amazing!

[RCAFBuster]

Thanks,

We were issued plain single piece nylon straps, but I wanted to be able to easily see the serial numbers on the reverse.

Thus, I've used split nylon straps and dressed them up with Omega buckles. One strap is Cordura just to set it apart as I got that watch from a very dear friend.

Cheers,