The Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronographs in 18K yellow, white or red gold have one of the most fascinating stories in the horological world. This fascinating pocket watches fitted with a rattrapante chronograph movement with a double column-wheel mechanism are powered by rediscovered unassembled movement kits that had been in storage at Omega’s headquarters for almost a century. According to the archives, several years ago, some unassembled chronograph movement kits were discovered in a hidden corner at Omega’s headquarters in Biel, Switzerland. Astonishingly, they had been in storage since 1932, the same year that Omega served as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games. Omega’s master watchmakers reconditioned the long-lost components and used them to create an incredible enhanced replica of a 1932 pocket chronograph —the very same stopwatch that had been used to time each event at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games.

A total of 300 of these remarkable pocket watches had been made in a limited edition of a 100 pieces for each type of 18K gold including yellow, white and red gold. The three types of gold perfectly symbolize the gold, silver and bronze medals presented to the winners at the Olympic games. These exquisitely finished works of art narrate the history of a remarkable and lengthy partnership between Omega and the International Olympic Committee. Enhancements to the 1932 design make each Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronograph a rare example of the best in mechanical horology, combining fine Swiss craftsmanship with the most advanced of contemporary watchmaking technologies.

The Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronograph is fitted with a white enamel dial that is a faithful replica of the 1932 design. The dial features black Arabic numerals, a minute with 10th of a second chapter ring, a 30-minute recorder at 12, running seconds register at 6 o'clock and a central chronograph hand and a split seconds hand. The dial also features red accents for the brand's name and logo.

The case back opens to reveal the movement, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Stamped on the case back is the official five-ring logo of the Olympic Games. The title Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games and the words Limited Edition are engraved on the case back, along with the edition number of each piece: 001/100 for each of the 18K yellow, white and red gold editions. The one reviewed here, happens to be number 042/100 in 18K yellow gold. Another very interesting touch in the beautiful design of this pocket watch is the Omega shaped crown protector that also serves as the loop where you can attach a chain.

As mentioned before, once the hinged case back is opened, one can admire the beautiful and remarkable Omega manual-wound calibre 3889A. This movement is a high-performance movement with an integrated rattrapante chronograph mechanism controlled by a double column-wheel mechanism that allows for measurements of 1/10th of a second and which is also a Superlative Chronometer Officially Certitifed —COSC. The 24 ligne —53.7mm— movement, assembled from restored and enhanced components, beats at 36,000 vph to provide a power reserve of 32 hours.

If you like pocket watches and stopwatches, it really doesn't get much better than with this highly collectible piece. If you are ready to pay above six figures for one of these examples, then the Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronograph could become your faithful companion at the next Olympic games to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sticker Price $109,000 USD. For more info on Omega click here.