Six Omega Stopwatches And A Lost NZ Racetrack
A collector discovered a set of six vintage Omega professional mechanical stopwatches, each engraved with "LEVIN M.R.C." and individually numbered, still housed in their original fitted wooden box. This discovery connects Omega's sports-timing legacy to the Levin Motor Racing Circuit, New Zealand's first permanent purpose-built racing circuit, which operated from 1956 to 1975 and hosted prominent international drivers.
- Set of six Omega professional mechanical stopwatches
- Engraved with "LEVIN M.R.C."
- Individually numbered
- Original fitted six-position wooden timing box
- Levin Motor Racing Circuit operated from 1956 to 1975
The stopwatches are engraved with "LEVIN M.R.C." and individually numbered, suggesting they served as official club timing equipment rather than a collector's assembly.
The Levin Motor Racing Circuit, New Zealand's first permanent circuit, opened in January 1956 and hosted significant motorsport events until its closure in December 1975.
The circuit saw races featuring notable drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, and Chris Amon.
The original fitted wooden timing box includes red Omega protective holders and lanyards.
A second marking, "HVMC," inside the box lid may indicate a Hutt Valley motorsport connection, requiring further archival research.
Omega's history in sports timing dates back to the 1904 Gordon Bennett Cup balloon race and includes its role as the official timekeeper for the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.