£1,900.00
This remarkable Omega automatic is housed in a 32mm stainless steel case and retains a wealth of original period features, including its signed seven-sided Omega crown and original Omega-signed pin buckle. The dial has developed an exceptionally attractive black-grey patina over the decades, with areas of the original surface gently wearing to reveal warm brass tones beneath. Combined with the gilt hands and applied gilt markers, the effect is both striking and entirely unique, embodying the character that collectors seek in well-preserved mid-century wristwatches.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this watch carries an extraordinary historical provenance. Engraved to the caseback is the inscription, “Rev David Steel, St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, 1957.” The Very Rev. Dr David Steel was one of the most influential Presbyterian ministers in East Africa during the final years of British colonial rule. Called to St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, in 1949, he oversaw the construction of the church’s principal sanctuary and became a leading advocate for racial equality and justice in Kenya. His outspoken criticism of colonial policies during the Mau Mau Emergency brought him into conflict with the authorities, while earning the respect of many Kenyan leaders, including Jomo Kenyatta, who later acknowledged the encouragement he drew from Steel’s ministry.
As a result, this watch represents far more than a beautifully aged Omega from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking. It is a tangible connection to a significant figure in both ecclesiastical and Kenyan history, preserved through an inscription that firmly anchors the watch to a pivotal period in East Africa’s journey towards independence. Watches with such direct and documented historical associations seldom appear on the market, making this a particularly compelling and evocative survivor.
The Very Rev. Dr David Steel was called to St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, in 1949. During his ministry he oversaw the construction of the church’s principal sanctuary and worked tirelessly towards the eventual union of the Overseas Presbytery of the Church of Scotland with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA). Above the main entrance of St Andrew’s appears the inscription, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations,” reflecting Dr Steel’s conviction that the church should serve not merely the Scottish community, but all who wished to worship there in the city of Nairobi.
Dr Steel became widely respected for his outspoken criticism of colonial policies during the Mau Mau Emergency. From the pulpit he challenged the treatment of Africans by the colonial administration, a stance that brought him into conflict with the authorities. His advocacy became so well known that the East African Standard reportedly invoked the famous words attributed to King Henry II, “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?”, in reference to Steel’s persistent defence of African rights and justice.
Among those influenced by his ministry was Jomo Kenyatta, who later recalled being encouraged by Dr Steel’s preaching, even during his imprisonment. Following his retirement to Scotland, Kenyatta remarked that Dr Steel would always be welcome at Kenya’s State House.
Pictured here are Dr and Mrs Steel at State House with The Right Rev. Jeremiah Gitau, Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev. John Gatu, Secretary General of the PCEA, and Dr George Wanjau, Senior Minister of St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi.
| Case Size | 32mm (excluding crown) |
|---|---|
| Complications | No complications. |
| Delivery | Watch only. |
| Calibre | In-house Omega Automatic |
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