So the story begins…….
A few months ago a very nice lady with a big smile came into our store and we talked for a little while. She told us a story about an old watch who had belonged to her father. Intrigued by the story we said bring it next time you visit Amsterdam. And so she did a couple of months later. Sitting down with a cup of coffee she told us the incredible story of the watch. Pictures, anecdotes, a little tear, a big smile, all emotions came by. The way she told about the life of her father, in such a humorous way and with such love for him. It was so great! No wonder she was humorous, her name Margie Kinsky, a well-known comedian in Germany.
And here is where the story of the watch begins….
The Alpini (Italian: alpine), are an elite mountain warfare military corps of the Italian Army. They are currently organized in two operational brigades, which are subordinated to the Alpine Troops Headquarters.
Established in 1872, the Alpini are the oldest active mountain infantry in the world. Their original mission was to protect Italy’s northern mountain border with France and Austria. In 1888 the Alpini deployed on their first mission abroad, in Africa, a continent where they returned on several occasions and during various wars of the Kingdom of Italy. They emerged during World War I as they fought a three-year campaign on the Alps against Austro-Hungarian Kaiserjäger and the German Alpenkorps in what has since become known as the “War in snow and ice”. During World War II, the Alpini fought alongside the Axis forces, mainly across the Eastern Front and in the Balkans Campaigns.
That is where the story of this watch begins, WW Ii. With a young man named Filippo Dozzi, an Alpino who got his first watch from the military, this Omega! Fighting next to his companions with this watch as a tool on his wrist. Starting as a soldier soon he became a pilot and stayed that for many years. Religion is a great thing of course in Italie, also the young Filippo was raised in catholic. So it is not surprising that later on, he became a journalist for RAI Italian television for the Vatican.
Housing the iconic 33.3 calibers, this example is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp-angled lugs that do not display signs of over-polishing. The 37.5-millimeter case is very large for the period, its presence enhanced by the three dimensional angled lugs. It is particularly impressive that Omega had the foresight to create such a “modern” looking watch in those days! Omega caliber 33.3 movements. It’s constructed with 17 jewels, a shock absorber device, and a straight-line lever escapement. It includes a monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator.
All technical details aside, this is a real rare good preserved timepiece with a story! In all original condition, ready for the next chapter of life. Come and see this beauty in our store with and we will tell you more….