Omega Seamaster Chronometer Cal.564 Automatic 18ct 1967/8, 37mm

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.

Description

The Omega Seamaster was introduced by Omega in 1948 to coincide with their 100th-year anniversary, and has remained in continuous production to this very day. The Seamaster was initially introduced as a sporty dress watch, however due to its popularity and success, divers versions were later introduced in the 1970s. The Seamaster Ploprof for example, was used by Jacques Cousteau in a series of experimental dives to depths of around 500 metres.

Here we have a particularly rare and impressive Omega Seamaster Chronometer with an extra large 37mm case and date function. It is rare to find Seamaster Chronometers usually, but to find one in gold, in this size is very rare. To add to this, finding a Seamaster with a date function from this period with a large case is also unusual.

The Calibre 564 movement in this watch was mostly found in the top of the line Constellations of the time. We have sold hundreds of Seamasters over the years, but this is the first time we have had an example of this particular model.

This watch is immaculate, having just completed a full restoration by our team. The movement in particular, is in spectacular condition. Omega Seamaster watches are always highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability and so these are considered some of the most practical everyday vintage watches one can buy.

The Dial

The large silver-white dial looks stunning on the wrist and really catches the light beautifully. The design is classic late 1960s with ‘stick’ hands and ‘baton’ hour indices.  Particularly when held at an angle, the dial design is accentuated by the broad, flat bezel with radial engraving around the dial. This also catches the light and nicely complements the minute markings on the dial.

The dial carries a date function and carries both the applied gold Omega brand and signature. It is also signed ‘Automatic’ ‘Chronometer Officially Certified’, with ‘Seamaster’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.

A new correct replacement Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the tiny Omega symbol in the very centre of the dial which you may just be able to pick out, in certain photographs. 

Movement

This is the very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 564 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze, 24 jewels movement which as can be seen, is in absolute tip-top, sparkling condition. This is one of the best automatic movements ever made by Omega and certainly in the top, 10 among other brands of the late 1960s. Possibly even the top 5!

The movement has been fully overhauled by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means disassembling the watch movement down to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration. This watch, therefore, winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this kind of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 50 hour power reserve when fully wound. We are highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co. Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’, and ‘Cal. 564 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the serial number 26357360, which dates the movement to 1968**. These watches are well known for their exceedingly robust, accurate and reliable movements making this watch perfect for everyday use or simply as evening wear only – as you wish. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day, this watch will never need winding and seldom need resetting. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly.

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

Watch Case

The heavy 18ct yellow gold waterproof* watch case measures 37mm, excluding the correct original Omega signed crown, making this the largest gold Seamaster made during the 1960s and ’70s.

This is in the typically bold, imposing/robust design of the Omega Seamaster, with strong sweeping lugs and a screw-back. The three-piece case was designed to be waterproof and dustproof, with a wide bezel tightly clipping onto the main body, and a screw-down case back.

The case-back, bezel and body are all in beautiful condition with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The watch has been lightly used which has meant that after careful inspection, the case has simply required a professional clean and gentle hand-polish to bring back the almost new look of the watch. The Seamaster motif on the rear is clear and sharp, indicating this watch has been lightly used well cared for throughout its life.

Inside the case-back all is as expected with the correct branding, and correctly signed ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’, along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case serial number 168022-67, dating the case to 1967**.

**Note, the watch case and the movement were manufactured at different times and assembled in 1968. This quite normal and was frequent practice among Swiss watch manufacturers. This watch could therefore rightfully be described as a 1967 or 1968 watch, or both!

*Please note – although all the rubber seals in the crown and case back have been replaced and this watch was classed as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A brown calf leather watch strap has been fitted with a matching 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 19mm 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 1967/8.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale 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”.

A vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is one of the rarest and most impressive vintage gold Omega Seamaster you are ever likely to find. Even though it was produced over 50 years ago, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch and is indeed a thing of beauty, to wear, treasure and enjoy. It is 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.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. 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 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 on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.