Today's offering showcases this classic and collectable Omega ref. 2990 Ranchero in pleasing original condition.

For those not familiar, the Omega Ranchero is a fascinating timepiece that holds a unique place in the storied history of Omega watches. Launched in 1958, the Ranchero was part of Omega's initiative to cater to the demand for robust, reliable, and stylish watches suitable for both work and leisure.

When Omega designed the Ranchero, which was made to primarily target the European and South American markets, they intended ti to be Omega’s successor to the Railmaster and Seamaster.

The name "Ranchero," meaning "rancher" in Spanish, was chosen to evoke a rugged, adventurous spirit. While tough and purpose-driven as a tool watch, the Ranchero was meant to do even more. While it had a waterproof case and very well-executed hand-wound movement like its siblings, the Ranchero’s slimmer profile was mean to give it a more elegant appearance suitable for dressier and professional occasions.

Its "Explorer" style dial is very suggestive of the Railmaster, with its large luminescent triangles at the hour markers and wonderful "broad arrow"’ hand.

While in theory the Ranchero should have proved even more successful than its siblings, its sales fell flat, in part because of its name. Rather than evoke the rugged and adventurous ranch life and Kevin Costner-like Yellowstone Ranch popularity, Americans seemed to associate the name at the time with less sophisticated connotations so discontinued production in 1958, the same year they launched it.

Like so many unpopular-at-the-time models from the premier Swiss firms that only had very brief production runs, their scarcity now helps propel their collectability.

It's a little sad that the Ranchero didn't see more sales success. Because other than its connotative-at-the-time name, its a fabulously designed and executed watch.

Its powered by one of the company's robust 30 T2 based series.

The famous 30 T2 movement gained a reputation for reliability and accurate timekeeping serving the critical timing needs of the world's Armed Forces during World War II. As time progressed Omega added upgrades to the movement such as shock protection and extra jewels - as is the case with the Cal. 267 mechanism found in this watch.

It has all original parts with the exception of its winding crown. It appears to be a perfect vintage replacement - it's so close to the original that we louped it repeatedly to see if the it was original and someone had just polished off the Omega logo. If you'd like an Omega crown installed, please inquire.

Its case is in beautiful condition, just short of mint. Its untouched original black dial has turned a tropical tone with matching original luminous.

Note that in person the dial appears a bit more tropical than it does in the photos.

Its handwound movement has had any needed servicing performed. It is running very strong and true, keeping timeon par with a new Omega in our testing recording position.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a vintage styled strap and aftermarket Omega style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Model: Ranchero, ref. 2990-1
Serial no.: 16,617,084
Year made: 1958
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm wide (excluding the crown) and 44.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
Case markings (outside): Waterproof
Case condition: Beautiful condition - one tiny mark on left side and wear underneath one lug, only light signs of any previous polishing, presents as just short of mint
Dial: Matte black, luminous dart indices with white painted Arabic numerals at the primary hours, signed Omega Ranchero 30, original and untouched, warmed to a light tropical tone. Note that in person the dial appears a bit more tropical than it does in the photos.
Hands: Original, luminous steel "broad arrows"
Movement type: Cal. 267, manually wound, copper colored, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Leather (aftermarket), vintage styled, new with aftermarket Omega style buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal type: Acrylic, appears original, excellent condition with very light wear. Please inquire if you would like a brand new crystal installed.
Serviced: Any needed servicing has been performed.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true, keeping timeon par with a new Omega in our testing recording position. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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