ref.1578
Rose, black dial, G.M.O.O.

A very fine and very rare 18k rose gold manual-winding wristwatch ref.1578 with black dial made in 1949.
Ref.1578 was launched in 1943 and produced until the mid 1960s. General Motors gave these reference 1578GM watches to only 20 of their Overseas Office executives.

General Motor Company

Based in Detroit, Michigan, GMC is a large worldwide business with staff in the thousands over 6 continents. From electric cars to heavy-duty full-size trucks, General Motors provides a range of vehicles including big name brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac. Since their beginnings in the late 19th century, they have grown to become the most widely recognized motor distributor in the world.

The present watch belonged to Mr. P. L. Walsh , who worked during GM’s crucial decades, a total of 25 years for long service to the company.

GMOO refers to the General Motors Overseas Office, which during the mid-20th century was a crucial element of the company as they began to work more with international brands such as with UK brand Vauxhall and German brand Opel. In addition, leading up to World War II, General Motors produced vast quantities of armaments, vehicles, and aircraft for the Allied war effort, helping to cultivate their multinational interests. Mr. K. P. Smith worked with GMOO which allowed him to travel to Egypt, Cuba and Washington D.C. At a significant time in the brand’s history, the original owner of the present watch would have witnessed the rise of this great American corporation and his watch is a symbol of great achievement and long-standing commitment.