Omega Cal.265 9K Blue Dial 1951

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s and 60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we have a simply beautiful, fully restored 9ct gold Omega Calibre 265, Blue Dial with Subsidiary Seconds Dial, from 1951. This Omega is notable not only for its dial, but also its superb 17 Jewel, Calibre 265 hand-wound movement and high-quality Dennison for Omega watch case, which is in immaculate condition.

The Dial

The rare original blue dial with applied gold numerals and arrowhead indices is simply beautiful and looks much better than the photographs do it justice. It is highly legible as the numerals and indices catch the light wonderfully. The original ‘Lance’ hands and subsidiary seconds dial give the watch the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Movement

The Calibre 265 was a development of the Omega 30T2 calibre, famous for its high standards of accuracy and reliability, beating all competitors including Patek Phillipe and Rolex at the Kew Observatory Precision Trials.

Here, the Omega copper-toned Calibre 265 movement looks pristine. Our watchmaker has commented that this particular movement has been lightly used and very well cared for. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and following careful calibration, the movement is now running arrow straight within +2 seconds/day!  This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher.  This movement also has a 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.

It is all correctly signed, Omega Swiss, 15 jewels with the Calibre number 265 and the serial number 12898578 which dates this watch to 1951. The movement winds, runs & sets smoothly and is in superb working order and keeping excellent time. We therefore have no hesitation in offering the watch with a 12 months warranty*.

Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The solid 9ct yellow gold case measures 33mm in diameter, not including the original signed Omega winding crown. Although this would have been a large gents size watch in the early 1950s, it is not a large watch by modern standards and so we would only recommend it for someone with small wrists or someone who doesn’t mind wearing a smallish watch.

This watch case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye.

The inside of the case-back carries all the correct Birmingham UK 9ct hallmarks and is signed Dennison, Made in England, A.L.D. meaning this watch case was made by Dennison, the Case-makers in England who made a great many cases for Omega and Rolex. The case also carries the case reference number 196045.

Note – The case was hallmarked in Birmingham in 1952 and so this watch could be dated either to 1951 or 1952.

Our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality, Blue leather strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated Omega buckle. Please note if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1951. Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of the famous Omega Calibre 265 hand-wound watch, with a blue dial which is particularly interesting and rare. The movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Vintage gold Omegas are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.