Omega Seamaster 18ct 1958 Oversize – Outstanding Condition!

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 the 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

The Omega Seamaster was first released in 1948 and has been a cornerstone of Omega’s product range ever since, remaining in production to this day. The model has always represented the highest standards of accuracy and reliability and its design and solid construction have always meant solidity and high standards of water and dust resistance.

The example we have here is a rare, early 18ct gold oversize Seamaster, which is in simply stunning condition in every aspect. This is Omega model 2975SC which has a noticeably heavy watch case which shows virtually no signs of wear. The beautifully restored dial is simply stunning, and the very high grade, 20 Jewel, Calibre.501  movement is in sparkling condition. This is one of the very earliest Omega Seamaster watches to carry the Omega Seahorse relief on the case back. Not only this, but here the relief is completely unworn, indicating this watch has seen hardly any real use.

The Dial

The beautifully restored original silver dial is simply wonderful with bold applied onyx inlaid batons, matched by original onyx inlaid Dauphine hands and blued steel centre seconds hand. The combination looks wonderful and even better than the photographs can show. We have used the blue seconds hand as a cue for the colour of the strap, which we ordered in from our friends at ‘Watch Obsession’, especially for this watch.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK. A new original Omega replacement lens has been fitted which carries the Omega sign in the centre of the dial. This can be picked out in some of the photographs if you look carefully.

The Case

The Omega Swiss made 18ct yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct original signed Omega winding crown. This is larger than the standard Omega Seamaster of its day, which was sized 34mm or less. The case has a press-fit case-back with an attractive ribbed body and substantial swept back lugs. As mentioned above, this was one of the very earliest Omega Seamaster watches to carry the Omega Seahorse relief on the case-back, here in completely unworn condition indicating this watch has seen hardly any real use.

The case is in totally immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. Indeed it would be very difficult to distinguish from a ‘new old stock’ example in the Omega Museum in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland!

Inside the case-back, all is exactly it should be: Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks, signed ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Swiss Made’ with the case reference number 429,072 and the Omega Model No. 2975SC.

This was originally marketed as a waterproof watch and although the rubber seals have been replaced as part of the restoration, the watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

Between 1948 and 1958, Omega used Bumper automatic watch movements which used an oscillating rotor which bounces between two springs to wind the watch. However, this watch carries the first Omega movement to use a 360 degree, fully rotating rotor.

As can be seen from the photographs the copper-plated beryllium bronze, high grade Cal.501, 20 jewel automatic movement is in simply spectacular condition! The movement is correctly signed Omega Watch Co Swiss with the Calibre number 501 and ’20 Jewels’, along with the serial number 16,472,359 which dates this watch to 1958.

The Calibre 501 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability and this has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. The movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +2 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked these test results on our electronic watch time-grapher. The movement also has a 46 hour power reserve when fully wound.

The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day, this watch will never need winding. The movement winds, runs & sets smoothly and is working perfectly. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty*.

*Please note our 12 month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Strap & Buckle

We have fitted a high quality, blue Hirsch ‘Modena’ Alligator embossed leather strap with a gold plated Omega buckle. We have ordered this strap for this watch because its colour nicely matches the blued steel seconds hand. Also, with undyed natural colour cotton stitching, we feel this is a particularly nice match for a vintage Seamaster watch. Please note, however, 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. However, 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 1958. 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 at any time, 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”.

The matching vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

In Conclusion

This is a simply stunning example of an early 18ct Omega Seamaster in beautiful condition.

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. Omega Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this early 18ct watch means its value will always remain strong.

This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline  020 7727 7095   or mobile  07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095  or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!

Thank you.