An Omega...Sort of........

Tools · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:31 pm Post subject: An Omega...Sort of........

Lanco was made by the Langendorf Company (LanCo) in the mid 1800's, and ceased production in about 1973.. During it's last years, this company was owned by Omega/Tissot and Omega did market the name with Tissot movements.. This great company was a very progressive company and only fell due to mis-management and not because the movements or watches were second-class. It became a victim of the Quartz movement as Omega moved to consolidate and keep itself alive..

This one is from the mid-60's, a few years before the buy-out by Omega>

You can see the dial shows 45 years of time and also has a touch of moisture issue at the top... however, everything, including the crystal is original (except the strap)

The dial is unusual because it has the traditional tachymeter in the black outer chapter, but also has a Telemeter dial with red numbering.. This Telemeter feature allowed you to time those things that traveled at the speed of sound.. Usually used for artillery, you could see the gun flash, start the timer, and when you heard the sound the dial would give you a distance away. Useful for lightning as well..

Since it is pre-Omega, it carries an original Lanco Movement (Landeron 248; 18,000BPH) in very good shape. Cam lever actuated, reliable, with 17 Jewels and Incabloc protection:

The case is 36mm, with a 31.5mm dial. 18mm at the lugs... this puts it at the same size as the Rolex Datejust, a somewhat large watch for it's day..

Even though this one is earlier than Lanco's Omega days, I still think that it deserves a place among peers...

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uncle aj · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:47 am Post subject:

Nice post and very interesting watch Larry.

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Tools · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks...

The old chronographs were considered too big and bulky for most watch buyers... not to mention more expensive..

Today, the Chronograph is smaller than what the disco set is wearing and the trend of basic sport models.........

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GJ · Old hand Status: Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 388

Very good looking vintage chrono...

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Tools · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 3:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys..........

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SLS · Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

The Telemeter on the dial is really interesting, I have never seen that on a watch before. Nice bit of history as well, thanks!
Scott
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mailman · Moderator Status: Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 750

That's a nice looking watch Larry

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