Rare and well-preserved fine first water-resistant Omega openface keyless lever Lépine “étanche” stainless steel pocket watch Ref. 1064, Cal. 38.5 L T1, equipped with a plastic resin gasket, made in 1939. Pre-owned by known Swiss geographer Fritz Gygax, who used this pocket watch in his numerous expeditions around the world in 40s. From 1949 until his retirement in 1978 he was a professor at the University of Bern. The case back is engraved with dedication “Dem Veteran Fritz Gygax ‘Harmonie’ Langenthal 1941“. Movement: manual, cal. 38.5 L T1, 15 Jewels, SN: 9094698; Dial: matt silvered, modern Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel baton hands, recessed small seconds on circular guilloché; Case: polished demi-bassine three-body case with lines on the bezel, snap on back, round bow with facetted shoulders, cylindrical crown. Movement, dial and case signed. Dim. 50 mm. Quote from official Omega advertising – “A model for colonials, miners, railway employees, etc. Extra-robust staybrite case. Unbreakable glass. Resistant to water, dust and humidity. Insensible to temperature variations.” Watch is in overall great condition, running and ready to use! Condition: In fully working order. Very good condition, minor surface scratches, scuffs and discolorations through the age. Engraving on the case back.