THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 2996
YEAR: 1961
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 36MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The year 1957 is arguably the most significant in Omega’s history. It was the year the brand released its famed “Master Trilogy”: the Seamaster CK2913, Railmaster CK2914, and Speedmaster CK2915. However, few know that there was actually a quiet fourth musketeer—the Ranchero CK2990. Unlike the Trilogy, which continues to anchor Omega’s flagship lineup today, the Ranchero was short-lived, with production limited to just 1958 and 1959.

The present example carries the reference CK2996, a variation that was fitted with either Ranchero or Seamaster dials. Unlike the CK2990, which features a small seconds sub-dial, the CK2996 Ranchero is distinguished by its central seconds hand. It's difficult to understand why the Ranchero wasn’t more popular in its time. The 36mm case shares the classic round profile of its Seamaster and Railmaster siblings, and the dial is a masterclass in balance and simplicity, featuring Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12.

This dial, in particular, is absolutely stunning—the lume on both the markers and hands has aged to a warm pumpkin-cream hue. The case is also in fantastic condition, showing only minimal signs of polishing, and the Gay Frères-made Omega beads-of-rice bracelet exhibits nearly no sag.

What makes this watch even more special is its provenance: it was issued to a gentleman serving in the RAF, as engraved on the caseback. The movement has been freshly checked and is running beautifully at +4 s/d, with 275 amplitude and a beat error of 0.9 ms—not bad at all for a watch approaching 70 years old.

An outstanding example of a rare and historically overlooked Omega reference.