Entrepreneur and philanthropist Norman Morris was instrumental in the success of Omega in the USA in the early 1900s and by 1933 was the sole distributor of their watches. This watch is pictured in Omega A Journey Through Time including the words "a Norman Morris creation". Just what part he or his company played in the production of this watch I don't know. 
 
Built around 1945 it remains in exceptionally good condition. The case and case-back are solid 14k gold. There are no dents just micro scratches. Superb fancy lugs ensure this watch has huge wrist presence. Inside the case-back, it is marked Omega and 14k gold. At 24mm width the watch is on the small side by current standards however back during the period it was made it was normal for a man.
 
The Art Deco dial is also in exceptional condition with only some discolouration around the edges where it can hardly be seen. Gilt leaf-shaped hands and there's a small seconds hand in a sunken sub-dial at 6. Applied mix of Arabic numerals and hour batons. The beveled crystal is probably original but the crown is probably a replacement.
 
Inside is the highly collectible Omega calibre R17.8. It is currently being professionally serviced so it will be available for delivery by the end of January 2020. It's worth waiting for this unique piece of American / Swiss history.
 
Comes with an unused brown leather non-Omega strap.
 
Click here to open the page in the New York Times for Norman Morris's obituary.