Omega Bumper Automatic Ref.6552 14ct 1954

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. 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 1940s 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 into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission and in 1969, two Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A beautiful previously restored 14ct yellow gold Omega bumper automatic with a wonderful, previously restored, silver-white dial from 1954. Omega watches of this period are highly regarded for their high quality, particularly their outstanding movements. Here, the Calibre 354, 17 Jewel bumper automatic movement is a gem and following an overhaul and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly.

The Dial

The beautifully previously restored silver-white dial is complete with mixed ‘arrowhead’ and ‘deluxe’ hour indices and are matched with the original gilt ‘dauphine’ hands. This wonderful dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.

The dial is signed with an applied yellow gold Omega brand along with ‘Omega’ and ‘Automatic’ at the very top along with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard, yet remains in outstanding condition.

Movement

This is the Omega Cal.354 which is the same movement used in the range-topping, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation of the same period. The Cal.354 movement was designed by Charles Perregaux and is a true classic which has certainly stood the test of time. The bumper automatic uses an oscillating rotor which winds the movement in one direction. Over 1.3 million of these movements were produced between 1943 and 1955 and carefully designed for chronometer levels of accuracy while remaining robust enough to handle the strong vibrations caused by the hammer action.

As can be seen, the fully restored beryllium bronze movement is in amazingly clean condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled to all its component parts, carefully inspected under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts before careful reassembly, adjustment and calibration. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within -6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher and this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has an excellent 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*. The Omega Cal.354 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, making this watch ideal for regular daily use.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Adjusted Five Positions and Temperatures’ along with the Calibre No. 354, ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, and the Serial No.14181447 which dates this watch to 1954.

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

The Case

The heavy three-piece 14ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1950s Omega Constellation case and this particular example is in remarkable condition with all the lines and edges as crisp as the day it was manufactured. The case has been gently carefully inspected and gently cleaned, which was all that was required to bring it to its pristine condition. These watch cases are very robust and designed to be watertight*  making this watch perfect for everyday use should you so wish.

Inside the press-fit case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected for an Omega Swiss made case and signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘14K Gold’ along with Swiss Geneva 14ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries two Omega model reference number C 6552 and the case serial number 65299.

*Although originally specified as waterproof, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is finished with a Hirsch brown leather strap and matching gold-plated Omega buckle which we feel suits the watch beautifully. However, if you have a preference for another colour or style, please let us know and we will do our best to supply and fit your preferred strap for no extra charge. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of straps and if you prefer another, let us know your choice and we will be only too happy to order and fit this to your watch.

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 1954.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1950s 14ct yellow gold Omega Constellation in excellent condition. If you are seeking the perfect example of a Constellation with one of Omega’s best ever automatic movements, this watch ticks all the boxes. The movement is of a very high grade and is equal to watches much more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Omega Constellation watches are highly collectable and the desirability of this watch means its 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 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.

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

We will also 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.