Omega Seamaster Automatic Cal.562 18ct 1962

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 ’50s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the 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.

The Omega Seamaster was introduced by Omega in 1948 and has remained in continuous production ever since.

Description

Here we have an Omega Seamaster with the Calibre 562 date automatic movement and a heavy 18ct yellow gold case, from 1962. This example also has a beautifully previously restored silver-white, cross-hair dial, with ‘baton’ hour indices and the original ‘index’ style hands. This is the Omega model reference 14770 S.C – 61.

Omega Seamaster watches have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability so these are considered one of the most practical everyday vintage watches one can buy.

The Dial

The beautiful 1960s Omega silver-white, cross-hair dial is complete with its original gilt ‘index’ hands and applied gilt, ‘baton’ hour indices.The dial is typically vintage Omega of the period and subtly changes colour from silver to a brilliant white, depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. However, the dial colour looks much warmer under indoor lighting. An aperture at ‘3’, framed in yellow gold, displays the watches date function.

The dial carries the applied gilt Omega brand and signature and is signed ‘Automatic’ below. The dial is also signed ‘Seamaster’ in the lower half of the dial, with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard, yet remains in outstanding condition.

Movement

This is the top grade Omega Cal.562, 24 Jewel movement, which is the same movement used in the range-topping, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation range of the same period. As can be seen, the fully restored beryllium bronze movement is in amazingly clean condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled to all its component parts, carefully inspected under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts before careful reassembly and adjustment and calibration.

The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +7 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration as we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has an excellent 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The Omega Cal.562 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, making this watch ideal for regular daily use.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ along with the Calibre No. 562, 24 Jewels, and the serial number 19054420 which dates this watch to 1962.

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

Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm, excluding the correct original Omega signed crown. The case-back carries the Seamaster motif, which here is quite lightly worn, indicating this watch has only seen light use.

This watch case is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.

The inside of the case-back carries Swiss 18ct gold hallmarks, along with the Omega triangle signed with ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Fab Suisse’, ‘Swiss Made’ along with the Omega model reference number 14770 SC-61.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality hirsch brown leather strap has been fitted with a gold-plated Omega buckle, which we feel finishes this watch perfectly. 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 from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1962.

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 Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% 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 Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

A wonderful example of a vintage gold Omega Seamaster and even though it is over 60 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is indeed a thing of beauty, to wear, treasure and enjoy and also one of the most collectable watches from one of the most famous names in Swiss watchmaking. If treated with care this watch will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and as the world market for vintage gold Omega watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world means prices will inevitably 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 gold watches.

Thank you