Messages: 635 Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA
Registered: June 2009
REDUCED: Rare Omega Memomatic Mechanical Alarm Watch with original box - $2395
Fri, 11 November 2011 11:37
Just back from a full service, I'm putting this guy up for sale because something else vintage beckons. I'm pretty positive I'll regret it though, since these really don't pop up often, and when they do, they're definitely not in this great condition with original box. And there are not very many of these around. Supposedly, only about 35,000 Memomatics total were produced in all the different case/dial combinations.
Beyond the rarity, there are two things that really sets this watch apart, movement-wise:
1) You can actually set the alarm to the precise hour and MINUTE you wish it to go off. I always thought it was strange that with an alarm function, you had to estimate the time you wanted it to go off. Seemed a little counter-intuitive to me. This was the first time I'd seen a mechanical alarm that allowed for minute-precision.
2) Both the time-keeping and the alarm ringing are powered by a single barrel. While this probably introducing a number of conversations about timekeeping consistency, mainspring wear and tear, power reserve and reliability, etc... the one thing that I found very "cool" was the fact that a single barrel meant that the automatic winding system would simultaneously power both the timekeeping system and the alarm function. No more separately alarm spring to wind.
The movement that powers this watch is the Omega 980, based on the Lemania 2980. Pretty cool little thing. I used it a few times last night to remind me of a meeting, to rotate the laundry, etc... The alarm time is indicated by the two center discs - the triangle points to the hour and the bar points to the minutes (so in the images, the alarm is set to 12:00).
As to how to set the thing via a combination of the two crowns - here's an image from the Omega manual for the Memomatic. It's a little confusing at first, but it's intuitive once you get a handle on the various functions you'd want to perform.
The watch was available in a number of dial/case combinations, and this particular dial was available in two different cases. This one is the 166.071 in a pilot styled case. It was also available in a cushion-style case. Personally, the pilot case is a big plus, and I love the radial case brushing that Omega applies from the factory. Beautiful finish that many watchmakers refuse to even attempt to replicate.
This one was purchased in great case condition from the original owner. A light engraving on the back from when he received it from his family in 1975. Superficial scratches, but the original Omega finish is still present.
It wears really well on the wrist. Though it shares the same case shape/design as the Flightmasters, I don't believe it is the exact same case. This particular case seems to measure about 40mm (?) and lug-to-lug is far less than the 54mm stated for the Flightmasters. I'd have to verify the exact measurements with calipers when I'm bored, but it's actually a really great size for all wrists. It's not overwhelming, but the thickness does add to the presence.
A mechanical alarm is something that many people want to include in the collection, but most are out of the affordable range (unless quartz). This one enables you to have a cool alarm watch, rare model, modern size, and brand prestige all in one package. Plus, it's in great condition with only surface scratches, has had a FULL movement service to the tune of over $600, and comes with the original box.
Really - what more could you ask for?
Price is $2395 NET, shipped, OBRO. Payment via Paypal, wire, cashier's check, or money order okay, but you cover fees based on your choice of form of payment. I will cover shipping and insurance. I have countless references on numerous forums for many high-dollar transactions. Contact me with any questions.
- matt.wu