Omega Cal.520 18ct 1961 Original Dial

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 1950s 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 Omega Speedmasters were the first watches to arrive on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we a have a wonderful example of a completely original, unrestored and untouched 1960s, gentleman’s hand-wound Omega, with a good sized 34mm 18ct yellow gold watch case in beautiful condition. This watch contains the high quality Omega, Calibre 520, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement which is also in wonderful condition.

The Dial

Simply beautiful! Completely original, unrestored and untouched speckled egg shell dial with applied gilt ‘baton’ indices and ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ Standard Arabic numerals, which are swept by original ‘Leaf’ hands.

Please note – the hands are original and restored and have been kept, rather than replaced to retain their originality and character. We use a very high definition camera and macro lens which picks up every detail, much more so than the naked eye. The camera images, therefore, can be a little unflattering, whereas in real life, the slight tarnishing you may notice on hands is hard to see in real life. In fact, if noticed at all, the effect is quite charming. However, if you would prefer to buy this watch with new correct set of replacement hands fitted, we will be pleased to arrange this free of charge.

The dial is signed ‘Omega’ with the applied Omega brand and ‘Swiss Made’, at the very bottom of the dial.

As mentioned above, the dial here is completely original, unrestored and untouched. We have left this completely alone to retain its originality and charm, as it is in outstanding condition for a watch of this age. Usually we restore the dial as part of the overall restoration process of each watch we sell. This is because watch dials over 50 years old tend to become very unsightly due to damage from sunlight, moisture and pollution which takes the form of fading, staining, spotting and pitting. Watch dials also become very easily marked when a watch is dismantled for servicing and this is often evidenced in the form of scratches. Here however, the dial is simply outstanding, with wonderful signs of ageing shown in the crazing and spotting with a wonderful speckled duck egg shell patina. This really is one of the most beautiful early, original Omega dials we have ever seen.

The Movement

This watch contains its original and very special Omega 17 Jewel, Calibre 520 hand-wound movement. It is in sparkling clean condition, signed ‘Omega’, ‘SWISS’ with the Calibre no. 520, the Serial no. 17273208 and ’17 JEWELS’. The serial number dates the watch to late 1961.

Our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker has just given the movement a full inspection, overhaul and service and commented that he found the movement to be particularly clean and also indicated it has been properly maintained. Following the service he has carefully calibrated the watch and following our final checks, including testing the watch for accuracy on our electronic test instrument, we found the watch to be keeping time within +8 seconds per day. This is outstanding for any watch of this age.

We are very happy to offer the watch with our 12 months’ warranty*. With care and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come!

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

The Case

A very high quality, Omega swiss made 18ct yellow gold, advanced two-piece watch case, designed for improved water and dust resistance. This is an good sized case for the period at 34mm, excluding the original signed Omega crown. This watch case has wonderful straight lugs and carries beautiful brushed yellow gold on the case-back. The watch case is in tip-top condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected, simply signed with ‘Omega’ and 18ct hallmarks.

The two-piece watch case was designed to be waterproof when new and all the rubber seals have been replaced. However, it has not been pressure tested and its water resistance is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality brown leather strap has been fitted, along with a 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

This watch is complete with the original papers including the original guarantee book, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1961.

A 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”.

This watch is also complete with the original Omega 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. It 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 about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction 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 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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.