*SOLD* Omega Ranchero *Rare* 36mm 2990-1 from 1961. Cal 268. Opalene White / Silver Dial Watch + Omega Box

*SOLD* Omega Ranchero 36mm 2990-1 from 1961. Cal 268. Silver / Opalene White Dial Watch + Omega Box *Rare & Highly Collectable*

Greetings.  Thank you for looking at this beautiful timepiece. We are a 5-star seller with thousands of watches sold and delivered around the world.

Presenting an exquisite, rare and highly collectible 36mm Omega Ranchero Reference 2990-1.

This pre-owned timepiece is from 1961 and comes with Omega box (no papers)

It is in very nice pre-owned condition for its age as shown the photos (which are of the actual watch). It was serviced in 2022 and is running well.

The Lume has been enhanced with a modern Burgeon lume fauxtina as the original radium lume was a little tatty and didn’t look as nice as this fresh lume; which now not only looks the part, but actually illuminates giving you the best of both worlds; an aged look with modern illumination.

✔️ 36mm Stainless steel case with a wonderfully slim 9.9mm thickness.

✔️ With original Omega Box

✔️ Lume has been enhanced for luminosity with Burgeon faux patina

✔️ 17 Jewel Cal 268 Manual wind movement.

✔️ Plastic (Plexi) crystal

✔️ Broad arrow hands. Small seconds.

✔️ Original Case + Omega Crown

✔️ Original Omega buckle (Non Omega leather strap)

Please note, water resistance is not guaranteed.

A bit of history:

The Omega Ranchero is a fascinating watch with a short but intriguing history – an almost hidden gem in Omega’s archives.

In a time before The Beatles, before man set foot on the moon, and before watches went electric, the world was running on courage, craft, and steel.

It was 1957, the calm before the cultural storm. The Space Race hadn’t yet begun, rock ‘n’ roll was still raw, and the wristwatch was more than a style statement! It was a trusted tool for explorers, engineers, and dreamers.

In that moment, Omega unveiled the Ranchero. Born alongside legends like the Speedmaster and Seamaster 300, it was the brand’s quiet rebel – stripped back, purposeful, and built for the spirit of adventure. Its design was bold yet understated, a reflection of an era that prized authenticity over attention.

Omega launched the Ranchero in 1958 as part of their tool-watch line, alongside famous models like the Seamaster, Railmaster, and Speedmaster.

The name “Ranchero” in Spanish means ‘rancher’ or ‘working man’, and Omega intended it as a rugged, no-nonsense watch aimed at hard working people.
Personally, when I think of the Ranchero in the wild, I think of it being worn by tough, men like Robert Redford, Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen – while working in outdoors in tough conditions and locations.

The Ranchero borrowed elements from its siblings:

• Dial & hands: “Broad arrow” hands and luminous markers similar to the Railmaster.
• Case: Simple stainless steel, usually 36mm, with water resistance.
• Movement: Manual-wind calibres (like Cal. 267 and 268 from the famous 30mm family).
• Design: Clear, legible, almost military/tool aesthetic.

Despite its quality, the Ranchero was not a commercial success for Omega.

In Spanish-speaking markets, Ranchero didn’t resonate well as it was associated with “peasants” rather than rugged coolness of the aforementioned male icons of the time.

In other countries, the name felt awkward or unappealing compared to “Seamaster” or “Speedmaster.”

And so, it was overshadowed by Omega’s stronger, better-marketed models.

As a result, the Ranchero was discontinued after just a few years.

Because of its short production run, relatively few Rancheros exist, making them highly sought-after and collectible today. Decades later, it stands as one of Omega’s most intriguing creations – fleeting spark from the golden age of mechanical mastery, when every tick of the second hand echoed with human ingenuity.

Many unsold Ranchero cases and dials were reportedly rebranded into Seamasters to clear inventory, which adds to the rarity of true Ranchero’s.

Collectors admire the short-lived model today as a kind of lost sibling to the Seamaster, Railmaster and Speedmaster, with that same utilitarian charm.

Omega has never officially reissued the Ranchero under its own name, however, in 2006, Omega launched the Railmaster Co-Axial, which many collectors saw as a spiritual successor with Ranchero-like simplicity.

The Ranchero remains a niche but cult favourite among vintage Omega fans and collectors, because of its short history, crossover design, rarity and the fact that it never had the chance to bask in the spotlight.

CONDITION:

• Overall: Very Good pre-owned condition for its age with, light, visible wear marks on the case and buckle.
• Leather Bracelet: Light wear but very good used condition.

Congratulations, you could soon be the owner of this watch.
Don’t delay! It’s first come first served and you don’t want to miss out on this one!

Relax and buy with confidence. We are a 5-star professional seller and our mission here is to spread ‘Watch Happiness’ around the world and promote the feelings of joy that come with buying a new watch.

**PLEASE KINDLY NOTE**

• “Best price?” messages will not receive a response (sorry).
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• We are unable to accept purchases from buyers with low feedback.
• We do not deliver watches to all countries around the world, so please get in touch and check before ordering and paying.
• We do not accept returns from international buyers unless there is damage in transit.
• Watches with leather straps cannot be sent to North America (Washington Convention). Please check before buying.

Thank you for your understanding.

Watches are sent DDU via DHL Express. It is a fast and fully trackable service. Delivery in 1-5 days depending on your location.

IMPORT TAXES:

I am based in the UK.  For watches delivered to the UK, there are no import fees or duties.

Watches being delivered anywhere outside of the UK will be subject to customs fees (Import taxes).  This is usually your local sales tax (VAT / GST, IVA) percentage on top of the price of the watch.

DDU means ‘Delivery, Duty Unpaid’.
This means you, the importer / receiver of the watch is responsible to pay any Sales Tax or duties to your local customs or the courier company to release the goods from customs before being delivered to you.

All watches are authentic / genuine and inspected by our in-house master watchmaker.

Thanks again for looking.

Please get in touch with any questions. I would love to hear from you.

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