Art Deco Omega Automobile Clock

From the Dein-Bacher family, Waldorf Astoria, New York

The oval gilt dial with grained centre and bold stepped Arabic numerals, signed Omega, Swiss Made, under a domed glass in a gilt bezel. Gilt-metal hinged case, the back opening for winding. 15-jewel movement signed Omega Watch Co. Swiss, adjusted 2 positions, numbered 4805925. Running.

Acquired in New York, circa 1975, by a member of the Dein-Bacher family of the Waldorf Astoria; thence by descent. Accompanied by an old card bearing the embossed seal of Dein-Bacher Inc., inscribed "One of a kind 'Past Elegance' Auto Clock, circa 20s, Bugatti Royal 1932

For the Dein-Bacher firm, see The New York Times, 3 October 1947, "Dein-Bacher Furs Interpret Trends".

Swiss watch movements were imported in quantity to the United States in the early twentieth century, where they were often cased and fitted with new dials by American makers; "adjusted" markings such as this were typical of movements made for the American market. The oval drop-in case, made to sit in a recessed panel, is characteristic of automobile and dashboard clocks of the 1920s.