Omega Seamaster ‘Calendar’ 14ct 1950

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 1950s and 1960s 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 into 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

A beautiful, fully restored early 14ct gold Omega Seamaster ‘Calendar’ automatic gentleman’s dress watch from 1950. The Omega Seamaster was first released in 1948 and has remained in production ever since. This is a particularly early watch,  when the number of gold Omega Seamaster watches sold was a very small fraction of those seen in later years. This, therefore, is a very rare and collectable Seamaster!

The Dial

Almost uniquely, Omega Seamaster ‘Calendar’ watches from the early 1950s used the 6 o’clock position for the date window. We rather like this, as it maintains the symmetry of the dial. Applied arrowhead and pencil indices are matched by the original ‘Dauphine’ hands. The Ivory Cream dial has been beautifully and sympathetically restored, returning it to its original condition.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Case

It is immediately apparent that this heavy Omega Swiss made 14ct solid gold case is designed for strength! The wide bezel, substantial lugs and screw-down case-back, along with the depth of the case, all give the watch a particularly robust appearance. As with all early Seamasters, there is no Seamaster emblem on the case-back.

The inside of the case-back carries all the correct Swiss 14ct hallmarks. It is signed ‘Fab Suisse’ with the model number 0585, the case serial number 11139665 and the model reference number 2627SC. The case is very clean and crisp and shows no signs of wear, with no dings or scratches visible to the naked eye. This all indicates the watch has been very lightly and carefully used.

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

The Movement

The original high grade, Cal.353, 17 Jewel bumper automatic movement uses a rotor which arcs between two ‘bumper’ springs to wind the watch. This was a standard design, perfected by Omega and in common use with other manufacturers including Jaeger-LeCoultre and Zenith. When the watch is moved, one can very gently feel and hear the rotor bouncing between its two bumper springs. One quickly grows accustomed to this.

This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +8 seconds/day! This is outstanding for a watch of this age and was confirmed on our electronic timegrapher. The power reserve on this movement is 42 hours when fully wound. The movement runs, winds, and sets smoothly, exactly as it should. We therefore have no hesitation in offering a 12 month warranty on the movement of this watch*.

The movement carries the serial number 12381639 which dates this watch to 1950.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new Brown Hirsch Alligator embossed strap and gold plated Omega buckle which we think matches the watch perfectly. 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. We can also obtain most types and colours of strap, from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish, here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1950. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 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”.

The matching Vintage Omega presentation box as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A simply wonderful early Omega Seamaster vintage dress watch in 14ct gold. 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 an equivalent Rolex. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find before restoring these 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 choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. 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 very happy to discuss this with you.

We will be happy to Service, Repair, 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 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, we will also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!

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

Thank you.