Introduced in 1947, the Cosmic was Omega’s first watch to combine the time and date with a calendar function displaying the date, day of the week, month and the phase of the moon. The Cosmic collection was in production until 1956.
At the time it was one of the most exclusive watches the brand could offer. The Omega Cosmic watches came in two sizes (34-35mm and 37.5mm) in four different case materials namely steel, gold filled, gold-capped, and solid yellow or pink gold variants (14K and 18K).
Omega released six references: five in the late 1940’s and one in the early 1950’s. The reference 2606, 2471 and 2473 were all 35mm watches. The reference 2485 and 2486 were larger with 37.5mm. In 1951, the last reference of this collection came to existence as the reference 3944. It was also smaller in size but had a very distinct square case, instead of round like all the others before.
At the time of its release, a triple calendar complication was representative of the height of a watch manufacture’s prowess in wrist-worn timepieces. Nearly every noteworthy brand made them, from Patek Philippe to Rolex. But surviving examples produced by Patek Philippe or Rolex, for example, go for six figures at auction today, whereas the Omega Cosmic is far more accessible. The Cosmic’s dial features a classic triple calendar layout, with the day of the week and month below the 12 O’clock, position, moonphase indicator at 6 O’clock and date indictor around the perimeter of the dial. The cycle of the Moon is approximately 29.5 days. This means that from new moon (when the Moon is barely visible in the sky) to full Moon (when the whole disc is illuminated) back to the new moon again our grey astronaut landing station needs 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes (and 2,9 seconds) to conclude. This cycle was recognized thousands of years ago and it became a way to measure the passing of time. One could look up to the Moon and tell if it was the beginning or the end of a month (well, this +- 29.5-day period). Over time a few days were added or taken away and the (Gregorian) calendar we know today was born.
Omega touted the slimness of the Cosmic’s case in advertising material, stating that it was “the first calendar watch whose movement was conceived to fit in an ultra-flat case.” For the collector who seeks an elegant dress watch.
I used to have a square Moonphase during the late 1990s and another gold filled Omega Moonphase but I have sold it away to trade for a Rolex 1625 a few years ago. It was a decision which I have regretted. After a few years of searching, I have finally managed to find one ref 2473. It was love at first sight as it has my favoutite rose gold and with an original dial. The condition of the wach is really good for a watch that is 74 yeasr old. I have to let go my NOS Trematic Moonphase for this..
