40 mm Omega from 1908 with London, Ontario Private-Label Dial and Movement

Founded in 1848 in Switzerland, Omega has become one of the world's best-known watch brands. Omega produced high-quality wristwatches during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, Omega also created exquisite pocket watches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enhancing its reputation as a premier watchmaker.

This Omega timepiece was manufactured in Switzerland and completed in 1908 specifically for the North American market. The movement features an American-style setting mechanism and was made for N. F. Willmot, a jeweler in London, Ontario, who specialized in selling private-label Swiss and American pocket watches bearing the firm's name. The original porcelain-enamel dial is in excellent condition and features a classic Roman numeral layout. A few small hairlines are present along the outer edge between 3 and 4 o'clock, but the dial is otherwise exceptionally well preserved. At center, the private-label signature reads “N.F. WILLMOT / LONDON.” The original spade hands have not been restored and remain in their original heat-blued finish, providing exceptional contrast against the bright white enamel dial. Beneath the dial is a robust 15-jewel, in-house Omega movement. Its American-style setting mechanism makes this an unusual example of Swiss watchmaking and one of the relatively few Swiss movements we are able to convert. Beautifully decorated ratchet and crown wheels, along with a finely machined balance regulator, showcase the quality of Omega's early manufacturing. Every movement component was meticulously refinished by hand. The blue accents on the screws and steel hardware were achieved through precise open-flame thermal coloring using traditional watchmaking techniques (read more here). The gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster while preserving the movement's period-correct appearance. Altogether, this piece represents a fascinating intersection of Swiss and North American watchmaking—a Swiss-made Omega engineered for the North American market, fitted with an American-style setting mechanism, and privately labeled for N. F. Willmot of London, Ontario. At 40 mm, the finished watch carries the proportions and wearability of a modern timepiece while preserving the character and craftsmanship of a vintage Swiss movement.

The timepiece is housed in a surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case with a 40 mm diameter—offering one of the best fits for any conversion available. The case includes both caseback and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The watch comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.

Watch Performance

• Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day

• Amplitude: 300 degrees

• Beat Error: 1.5 ms

• Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)

• Power Reserve: 24-30 hours

• Complication: Sub second hand

  
  

Watch Specifications

• Manufacture: Omega

• Location: Switzerland

• Year Manufactured: 1908

• Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel

• Jewels: 15 jewels

• Case Diameter: 40 mm

• Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire

• Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire

• Case Material: 316L stainless

• Lug width: 20 mm

• Lug to Lug: 48 mm

• Height: 13 mm

• Serial Number: 3286781

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.