Omega Seamaster Cal.501 18ct 1958

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 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 production continuously ever since.

Description

Here we have a rare, Omega Seamaster with the Calibre 501 automatic movement and heavy-duty 18ct yellow gold case, from 1958. This example has a wonderful original, unrestored and untouched two-tone gold and silver dial, with ‘spearhead’ hour indices.

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.

This is a very special example of an early Omega Seamaster automatic which has remained in completely original condition, with the most stunning, original and unrestored two-tone dial.

The Dial

The superb and rare two-tone gold and silver dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The dial with yellow gold ‘spearhead’ hour indices, is matched with the unrestored ‘Dauphine’ hands, all of which look wonderful against the beautiful yellow gold case. The dial is effortlessly classic, elegant and stylish and just the kind of style which never dates.

The dial is signed with an applied gilt Omega brand, with ‘Omega Automatic’ below, ‘Seamaster’ and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

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 slight crazing and spotting. This really is one of the most beautiful early, original Seamaster dials we have ever seen.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

 The Movement

As can be seen, the original Omega Chronometer grade Cal.501, copper-tone, automatic movement is totally pristine. The Calibre 501 was the first full rotor driven movement and is considered to be one of Omegas best ever. These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +4 seconds per day with a 46-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Jewels’ with the Calibre No 501 and the movement serial number 16875659.  This serial number dates the watch to 1958.

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

The Case

An outstanding Omega Seamaster in such fine condition as this is a rare thing in the vintage watch market, especially in 18ct yellow gold. This very lightly polished, large and noticeably heavy 18ct solid gold case with very solid swept-back lugs measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct, early Omega signed crown.

The case is in amazing condition showing no signs of wear visible to the naked eye and even under a loupe it is very hard to fault.

This is a Dennison, Made in England for Omega and so it is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’ and A.L.D. which was the Dennison manufacturers stamp. The case also carries the serial number 999055. The case-back also carries 18ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1968.

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

Strap and Buckle

A black crocodile strap has been fitted with an original 9ct gold 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 1968.

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”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

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

This is an outstanding example of a yellow gold Omega Seamaster automatic dress watch with the highly regarded Cal.501 movement. This 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 of its day. Omega Seamaster 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!

In addition to being perfectly practical for everyday use, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something wonderful to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! Even though vintage gold Omega watch prices continue to climb, we still feel sure that top class examples such as this are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Omega watches continues to grow, limited supply 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.