Omega Cal.600 9ct 1961 Blue 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 40s 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 landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A simply beautiful, fully restored 9ct gold Omega gentleman’s hand-wound dress watch with a Royal Blue starburst dial from 1961. This watch is also notable for its original, very high grade 17 Jewel, Calibre 600 movement which was also used in the hand-wound Omega Seamaster of the same period. It is in absolutely sparkling condition!

The Dial

The absolutely spectacular Royal Blue starburst dial is stunning and looks much better than the photographs do it justice. The original ‘stick’ hands match the applied baton hour indices giving the watch the perfect combination of beauty, elegance and simplicity. This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.  A new Omega lens has also been fitted as part of the restoration.

The Case

The solid 9ct yellow gold case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the original signed Omega winding crown.

The inside of the press fit case-back carries all the correct London UK 9ct hallmarks and is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’,  with the case reference number 972. Incidentally, the hallmarks show this watch was hallmarked in London in 1962 whereas the movement serial number indicates the movement was manufactured in 1961, so this watch could equally be said to be dated as either a 1961 or 1962.

The Movement

The original, very high grade, Cal.600, 17 Jewels hand-wound movement is in simply spectacular condition, as can be seen from the photographs and has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker.

The movement is correctly signed Omega Watch Co Swiss and carries the calibre number 600 and the serial number 18610337 which date this watch to 1961.  While all the rubber seals have been replaced, the watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed. Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

These high grade Cal.600 movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within -8 seconds per day! This is exceptional for a watch of this age – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a 48 hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore very happy to provide a 12-month warranty on this watch*.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality, Blue Crocodile leather strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated Omega buckle. 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 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 1961.

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 hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch.

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of the classic Omega Seamaster with a beautifully restored blue starburst dial and the superb Calibre 600 movement.

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.

This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. 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 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 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 would wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. 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 also welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will 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 on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! 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 vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

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

Thank you.