Omega Cal.265 18ct Pink Gold 1949 36mm, Quilted Dial, Original Buckle, Original Box

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 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 simply stunning, Omega Cal.265 gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct pink gold from 1949. This Omega is notable, not only for its rare Quilted Dial and Oversize 36mm, 18ct pink gold watch case, but also its spectacular 17 Jewel, Calibre 265 hand-wound movement which is in sparkling condition. Furthermore, this watch also comes with its original antique Omega buckle and original antique Omega watch case.

The Dial

Just wonderful – Pink gilt 3, 9, 12 numerals, mixed with ‘Dagger’ hour indices, are matched with original pink ‘Dauphine’ hands over an Ivory Cream Quilted Dial. Quilted and Honeycomb dials are rare and these add texture and interest to the dial. However, Quilted dials are perhaps the rarer of the two. The dial contrasts beautifully against the pink gold watch case and the cross-hair subsidiary seconds dial balances the dial as a whole and adds an extra touch of class and sophistication.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully restored by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The Omega Calibre 265, 17 jewels 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 Watch Co, Swiss and marked with the calibre number 265 and 17 jewels, along with the movement serial number 11897340 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 +8 seconds/day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age and was tested on our electronic time-grapher. The power reserve on this movement is 45 hours when fully wound. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly, exactly as it should. 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

The 18ct pink gold oversize watch case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. Pink gold Omega watches from this period are rare, particularly in this size, as few were produced.

The case has been cleaned and carefully inspected by our case-maker for any signs of weakness or excessive wear and there are none, so it has simply required some very careful and gentle hand-polishing to bring it back to its almost ‘as new’ condition. It is in immaculate condition with no dings or scratches visible to the naked eye. This is an Omega Swiss made case of exceedingly high quality, which is only 8mm in depth including the lens, making it also relatively thin. The press-fit case-back has never been engraved and is of full thickness. It is tight fitting and clicks back with a very satisfying ‘pop’.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’ ‘Swiss Made’ and carries Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks, along with the Omega model reference 2619 and the case serial number 10927990.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new high quality Brown leather strap with an original antique Omega gold plated buckle , which we think is original to this watch. It is very rare for an original buckle of this age to survive as they tend to get lost or go missing when the strap is changed, so we were particularly pleased to see this. We feel the Brown strap with the contrasting stitching looks very good with this watch, but if you disagree please let us know and we will do our best to fit your preferred strap 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 20mm straps if you wish,  here.

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. 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 antique Omega presentation case, as shown in the photographs, is included in this sale.

In Conclusion

A simply beautiful example of an early Oversized Omega Calibre 265 dress watch in 18ct Pink 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 the 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 happy to discuss this.

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.