A simply outstanding oversized 50s Omega "Cioccolatone" which means literally "Chocolate" as it resembles a chocolate wrapped up, it's also known as the Carrè design meaning curved or squared in French.
1951 Omega Carrè Jumbo Black Dial Bumper
Brand: Omega
Model: Carrè
Reference: 3950
Serial: 12xxxxxx
Year: Circa 1950s
Dial: Black gilt dial
Dimensions: 35 mm excluding crown
Function: Automatic, timekeeping
Caliber: 342
Strap: Leather strap
Accessories: Company watch pouch
Up for your consideration is a truly captivating early-1950s Omega Carré, produced between 1951 and 1953—an increasingly elusive reference affectionately dubbed by collectors as the “Ciocclatone.”
This is no ordinary dress watch of the period. Housed in an oversized 35mm rectangular case—remarkably large for the era—the Carré commands real wrist presence, its distinctive hooded lugs and two-piece construction lending it a sculptural, almost architectural quality that sets it apart from its round-cased contemporaries.
The dial is where this piece truly comes alive. A rich, black gilt surface offers incredible depth, with warm gilt printing and applied hour markers that catch the light beautifully. You rarely see these with original black dials, uncommon in this era. Paired with elegant dauphine hands, the overall aesthetic is one of restrained sophistication, elevated by a tone and texture that modern reproductions simply cannot replicate.
Beneath the caseback beats the respected Omega Calibre 344—a bumper automatic movement whose half-rotor oscillation can be felt subtly on the wrist, serving as a constant reminder of the mechanical ingenuity of the period. These early bumper movements are celebrated for their charm and robustness, bridging the gap between manual wind and full-rotor automatics.
Examples of the Carré are few and far between, largely due to the inherent vulnerability of the case design, which often allowed moisture ingress over time. As a result, surviving pieces in well-preserved, original condition—particularly with such a striking gilt dial—are exceptionally scarce.
A bold, characterful Omega that stands apart from the crowd—this is a watch for the collector who values rarity, design, and the quiet allure of something truly different.
