Omega 18″ Chro Sopb chronograph

An Omega aviator chronograph in question was worn by Thomas Edward Lawrence, the British archaeologist, military strategist, and writer, known as Lawrence of Arabia. He wore this watch throughout his famous Arabian campaign in the early 20th century and it was revived by Omega just a few years ago.

Thomas Edward Lawrence was born in North Wales in 1888. Medieval military architecture was his first interest, which he pursued and studied throughout Palestine, Syria, and France. He later published a thesis on the subject, for which he received first-class honours in history from the University of Oxford in 1910.

The 18”’CHRO chronograph was the first serially produced wristwatch chronograph, though the movement originated as a pocket watch calibre, hence its large, 18”’ size.

The Omega is manual winding, housed in a 46 mm case. It is a solid silver military mono-pusher chronograph, with the pusher at 6 o’clock. This chronograph is powered by the Omega Cal. 18”” CHRO, which has 17 jewels, a lever escapement, and a Breguet balance spring. 

The dial included breguet numerals for a 24-hour clock. The small seconds are located at the 9 o’clock sub-dial and a 15-minute equalizer is at the 3 o’clock sub-dial. The sterling silver case has the chronograph’s only pusher located at 6 o’clock.

The movement has the serial number 4’6xxxxx on it, which identifies the chronograph as having been ordered in 1914.

A piece of unquestionable rarity, ready to be the highlight in your omega or military watch collection. A piece of history that on the wrist enjoys an unexpected stylistic modernity.

Ready to be a modern Lawrence of Arabia?