Omega Automatic Fab Suisse Bumper ‘Ambassador’ | cal. 28.10 | Reference 2421
A French-Market Rarity with Wartime Charm
The Omega Automatic ‘Ambassador’, Reference 2421, is an evocative piece from the mid-1940s—an era when Omega’s reputation for innovation and precision was rapidly ascending. This example is distinguished not only by its elegant Roman numeral dial and oversized case, but also by its Fab. Suisse designation, a legal requirement for Swiss-made watches imported into France at the time. Today, that extra line of text is a hallmark of collectability for vintage enthusiasts.
A Dial Steeped in Warmth & History
The original dial has developed a stunning golden-brown patina over its lifetime, with a raised enamel minute track and texts that retain their crisp definition. The warm, even aging across the surface gives the watch a uniquely inviting glow—an aesthetic only decades of careful wear can create. This is a no-lume dial, maintaining a clean, elegant presentation under all lighting conditions.
The dial proudly bears Omega Automatic Fab. Suisse, paying homage to both the brand’s heritage and its French-market origins.
Oversized Presence & Elegant Lugs
At 35 mm, the steel case—unpolished and retaining all original lines—wears larger on the wrist thanks to its fancy ‘Ambassador’ lugs. This distinctive case style was prominently featured in Omega advertisements of the era, where it was presented as “The Ambassador of Swiss Precision”.
Mechanical Soul – The Early Bumper Automatic
Beneath the plexi glass beats Omega’s calibre 28.10 bumper automatic, an early automatic-winding innovation that would lay the foundation for Omega’s future self-winding calibres. This example’s movement, serial 10,258,329, dates its production to circa 1945—right in the heart of the transitional post-war watchmaking boom.
The watch retains its original steel crown and is paired with a handmade Belgian leather strap, carefully chosen to complement the dial’s warm tones.
Key Specifications
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Reference: 2421
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Case: 35 mm steel, unpolished, oversized with ‘Ambassador’ fancy lugs
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Dial: Roman numeral layout, golden patina, raised enamel minute track & texts, “Fab. Suisse” signed, no lume
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Glass: Plexiglass
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Movement: Omega cal. 28.10 bumper automatic
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Serial: 10,258,329 (circa 1945)
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Crown: Original steel
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Strap: Handmade Belgian leather, color-matched to dial patina
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Condition: Excellent vintage condition with uniform warm patina
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Provenance: French-market import, period-correct design
A True ‘Ambassador’ of Omega’s Golden Age
The Omega Automatic Ref. 2421 ‘Ambassador’ encapsulates the spirit of 1940s watchmaking—innovative mechanics, bold yet elegant design, and market-specific rarity. For collectors of early automatic movements, French-market rarities, or simply those who appreciate a watch with authentic, lived-in beauty, this piece delivers both historical importance and undeniable wrist presence.
