Omega originated in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In 1848, 23-year-old watchmaker Louis Brandt opened a small workshop only to become one of the great industrial-era Swiss manufactures. By the 1960s it was internationally known for chronometer-grade watchmaking, the Seamaster, Constellation, and Speedmaster families.
In this light, this exquisite piece of gold work and horology sits in a fascinating contrast within Omega’s history. While its steel counterparts were becoming associated with underwater exploration, motorsport, and eventually spaceflight, this miniature gold piece speaks to cocktail-hour glamour, postwar prosperity, and the growing idea of the wristwatch as fine jewellery.
A mid-century modern jewel, the watch is fluid, feminine, and highly sculptural, with an almost fabric-like sense of movement.
The bracelet is the star. Its densely articulated, woven gold structure evokes a textile, alternately like a ribbon, braided passementerie, or fine metal mesh, yet it is made to curve and sit like jewellery on the wrist. The upper and lower sections form a broad, tactile bangle silhouette rather than a conventional linked watch bracelet.
This type of work belongs to the postwar European tradition of maille d’or, or gold mesh, in which a jeweller creates pliable, light-responsive surfaces from meticulously joined gold elements. The ribbon-like central motif adds a degree of drama and movement: it makes the watch feel closer to a cuff or a couture accessory than a conventional wristwatch.
For a watch of this scale, a compact hand-wound Omega calibre was the logical choice: it keeps the case slim and preserves the jewellery-first profile of the design. On the wrist, it has an almost disarming charm. You can admire the watchmaking, but really, it is the sheer delight of the object that gets you.
Maker: Omega
Model: Mesh Ribbon Bangle Watch
Year: 1960s
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dial: Silver with Gold Indices
Movement: Manual Wind
Case Measurement: 17mm
Weight: 50 grams
Size: Fits up to a 6.3" wrist
Made in Switzerland
All of our pre-owned watches are guaranteed to be genuine and authentic. Stephanie Windsor also guarantees the proper functioning of this watch mechanism for ONE year from the date of purchase. Any damage due to accidents and/or wear and tear is excluded from this warranty. We do not recommend that vintage / pre-owned watches be submerged in water as we do not guarantee any waterproofing.
