Throughout history, war has often been a catalyst for innovation, shaping the tools and technologies we use in everyday life. Many advancements—radar and sonar, programmable computers, nylon, jet engines, and even the Slinky—were originally developed during World War II before finding practical applications in the civilian world.
Wristwatches are no exception. During the war, the British Ministry of Defense recognized the need for durable, reliable timepieces for their armed forces. This led to the creation of the "Watch Wristlet Waterproof," one of the renowned Dirty Dozen, produced by twelve manufacturers between 1945 and 1948. Designed with a rugged, no-nonsense aesthetic, these watches prioritized functionality over embellishment. Among them, Omega’s contribution featured the highly dependable Caliber 30T2, a movement that remained in production into the 1960s and played a crucial role in cementing Omega’s post-war reputation for excellence.
As Europe transitioned into the postwar recovery period, Swiss watchmakers returned to crafting fine timepieces after years of military production. The clean, utilitarian designs of wartime watches influenced the era’s aesthetic, replacing the ornate Art Deco style with a more restrained, functional elegance—an approach that resonated with returning soldiers seeking refined yet practical timepieces.
The Omega Reference 2487 exemplifies this postwar design philosophy. Powered by the Caliber 265, it features a spacious, minimalist dial housed in a stainless steel case. With a versatile 36mm diameter—ideal for modern collectors—and distinctive twisted fancy lugs, the Reference 2487 offers both timeless sophistication and a bold statement, making it a worthy addition to any collection.
Omega 36mm Military Calatrava | Fancy Lugs | ref. 2487-6 from 1951
BRAND: Omega
MODEL: Vintage Calatrava Style
REFERENCE: 2487-6
YEAR: 1951
MOVEMENT: Caliber 265
CASE DIMENSIONS: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
GLASS: Plexiglass
BRACELET/STRAP: Generic high-quality leather strap
CLASP: Generic high-quality pin buckle
BOX & PAPERS: None
TAX: Differential taxation according to §24 UStG
Movement: The rotor is winding smoothly, the movement is in perfect operating order, and the watch maintains a respectable vintage timekeeping standard (-3 sec / day, Amplitude 260°).
Dial: The dial of this almost 80 year old watch shows some patina, which however has aged nice and evenly. The areas around the Arabic numerals as well as the Omega Logo show some deeper signs of ageing.
Glass: The Plexiglass was most likely changed, yet is in very good condition with only small signs of wear.
Hands: Hands are in overall good condition for a watch of this age with small signs of wear.
Case: With all four lugs thick and even and all bevels still sharp, the stainless steel case is in superb shape. Especially the twisted “fancy lugs” give this watch a cool presence on the wrist.
Crown: This Vintage Omega comes with its original Omega signed crown.