OMEGA 2445 | 1944-47 | CAL 28.10 | 14KT YG/STEEL

A handsome gents Omega reference 2445 with a fascinating connection to a man intimately involved in foreign affairs before, during and after World War II.

The Provenance

Edwin August Plitt was born October 2nd, 1891 in Baltimore to Louis A. and Anna Katherine Plitt.  After graduating Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1910, Edwin served with the Army Corps of Engineers from 1917 to 1919 during the Great War.  In 1921 he was appointed as Vice Consul in Sofia, Bulgaria, Constantinople, Turkey in 1922, served as Consul (Ambassador) in Athens, Greece in 1926 and Paris, France in 1933.

Mr. Plitt was on duty in Paris from 1933 to 1941, and was in charge of the United States Embassy during the first year of German occupation.

From 1941 to 1944 Mr. Plitt served as Chief of the Special War Problems Division in Washington.  Immediately following the war he was appointed to the joint State and War Department mission to liberate POW and concentration camps in Europe.

Based on the date of manufacture, it’s likely this watch came into his possession sometime between 1946 and ’47 during his three year term as Counselor to the American Legation in the Swiss capital of Bern.  What better purchase to mark service to ones country than a fine Swiss wrist watch?

After his duty in Switzerland he went on to serve as Consul General with the rank of Minister in Tangier, Morocco from 1947 until 1949 and filled various important positions in foreign affairs with the Department of State until 1960.

The Watch

This well preserved Omega reference 2445 is in excellent, lightly used condition.  The gold and steel case measures 33mm excluding the original crown.  This watch, when enjoyed, was handled with care.  The upper lugs have seen some polishing leading us to believe both the lugs and bezel are solid 14kt gold.

The silver, two-tone dial retains what appears to be its original factory finish, with a vertical brushed pattern and silver painted minute track.  Original gold leaf hour and minute and blued second hands are present.  Hours are marked by alternating raised gold leaf roman numerals and dots.  “OMEGA”, “AUTOMATIC” and “SWISS” printed in black.

Omega’s caliber 28.10, first produced in 1943 and was their first automatic bumper movement.  The 28.10RA SCPC powering this watch is clean and free of defects, running smoothly and keeping time.

This Omega 2445 arrives on a fine Hirsch genuine lizard strap with gold plated buckle.