Omega Seamaster 18ct Cal.562 Automatic 1964 – Original Unrestored Dial

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 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

Here we have a simply beautiful 18ct gold 1964 Omega Seamaster, dated by the movement serial number. In addition to its beautiful original unrestored ‘Sunburst’ dial, this Seamaster is also notable for its original, very high grade 24 Jewel, Calibre 562 Automatic movement, which having just been overhauled and serviced, is running perfectly and is in absolutely sparkling condition! Note: The Omega Seamaster was first released in 1948 and has remained in production to this day!

The Dial

This is the classic 1960s Omega Seamaster ‘Sunburst’ dial with date window at 3, which is beautifully simple, functional and elegant. The original gilt ‘Stick’ hands are matched by gold onyx inlaid baton hour indices. Both the dial and hands are original, unrestored and untouched. Normally we restore the dials of all the watches listed on this website, but we felt this completely unnecessary in this case. As can be seen, the dial is immaculate and almost as good as new. Only under the high magnification of a 40 x watchmaker’s loupe, can some faint signs of spotting be found.

A new replacement, centre signed Omega lens has also been fitted. This lens has the correct very tiny Omega sign, in the centre of the lens which can be seen in some photographs.

The Case

The solid 18ct yellow gold case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct signed Omega winding crown. This was an average to large size gent’s watch in the mid-1960s.

This watch case is totally immaculate and very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. This is a two-piece case with a fixed case-back with the Seamaster relief, which is in very sharp and very crisp condition. This, along with the superb condition of the rest of the watch case, indicates this watch has received excellent care and only very light use.

Note: With this design of watch case, the movement is fitted from the front of the case with a very tightly fitting bezel and lens. This obviously significantly minimises the risk of water entering the case, as none can enter via the case back and the case-back carries a ‘WATERPROOF’ legend. However, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’, and ‘Swiss Made’.  It carries the correct Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks, and the case reference number 917286 and model number 166020.SC.62.

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

The Movement

The original very high grade, Cal. 562, 24 Jewels automatic movement is in simply spectacular condition, as can be seen from the photographs. It has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and we are therefore very happy to provide a 12 month warranty on this watch*.

This high grade Cal. 562 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +8 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – this has been checked and confirmed by the test results on our electronic Timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day this watch will never need winding and very rarely need resetting.

The movement is correctly signed Omega Watch Co Swiss and carries the Calibre number 562 and the serial number 21264745. This confirms the date of this watch as 1964.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new Brown Omega 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, however, we can also obtain most other 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 1964.

A detailed Particulars document will be included with a detailed purchase receipt and 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided, along with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If 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 watch also comes complete with the matching vintage Omega presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of the iconic Omega Seamaster automatic watch, in 18ct yellow gold with a beautiful ‘Sunburst’ dial and Cal. 562 movement. The movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Omega Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

Even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly in recent years, 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 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 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 your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline on 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 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 take a look at our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!

Thank you.