Omega Cal.265 18ct Pink Gold 1949 36mm

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 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 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

A simply stunning, Omega Cal.265 gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct pink gold from 1949. This Omega is notable, not only for its outstanding dial and oversized 36mm, 18ct pink gold watch case, but also its spectacular 17 Jewel, Calibre 265 hand-wound movement, which is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

The watch carries a simply beautiful silver-white dial with applied  1 – 12 yellow gold standard Arabic numerals, which are matched with gilt ‘dauphine’ hands. The subsidiary seconds dial, which as can be seen from the accompanying photographs, is particularly large on this watch. The dial contrasts beautifully against the pink gold watch case, and the perfectly proportioned cross-hair subsidiary seconds dial balances the dial as a whole and adds an extra touch of class and sophistication.

The hands are original and previously restored and have been kept, rather than replaced to retain their originality and character.

The dial is very simply signed ‘Omega’ with the applied Omega brand and the dial also carries the classic 1940s subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to the highest standard and remains in a wonderful condition.

The Movement

The Omega Calibre 265, 15 jewel copper-plated beryllium bronze hand-wound movement is part of the famous Omega 30mm series. This series was continually developed over 25 years and during this period, became a cornerstone of Omega’s technical and commercial development. It is very highly regarded, not only for its accuracy and reliability, but also for its dependability in a wide range of adverse conditions. Indeed it is this series of hand-wound movements, along with Omega’s early automatic movement of around the same time, which were largely responsible for Omega’s success in the second half of the last century and through to the current day.

As can be seen, the movement is in pristine, sparkling condition and has obviously been very well cared for. It is of course, signed ‘Omega’ and ‘Swiss’ and marked with the calibre number 265 and 15 Jewels, along with the movement serial number 11885172 which dates the watch to 1949.

This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +10 seconds/day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age and has been confirmed on our electronic timegrapher. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly, exactly as it should and has a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound . We therefore have no hesitation in offering a 12 month warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

This watch has obviously been very well cared for and has seen only light use. The beautiful 18ct solid pink gold case has swept-back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 36mm in diameter, excluding the correct signed crown, this is an oversized watch by the standards of its day.

The watch has been very well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. In fact, even under high magnification, it is very hard to find any signs of wear, indicating this watch has seen very little use and has had a charmed life. The case is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed.

Inside the case-back, all is correct and as expected, signed ‘Omega’, Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the case serial number 10917702 and the model reference 2619. Swiss 18ct hallmarks are also shown.

The case has been professionally inspected, cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition, showing only very minimal signs of wear with no scratches, dings, or other damage visible to the naked eye.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch is fitted with a new, high quality dark brown leather strap and pink gold-plated Omega buckle. We feel the strap matches the watch nicely, 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 1949.

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 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 with this watch.

In Conclusion

This is a first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most famous names which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! This will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and 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 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 steel watches.

Thank you.