Description

A superb example of a classic, 1950s gentleman’s Omega dress watch in fully restored condition. Notable features of this watch include its heavy oversized 36mm, 18ct gold case in beautiful condition, a beautiful ivory cream dial and the amazing condition of its high grade, Cal.283 hand-wound movement. This watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves and is in pristine condition throughout.

The Dial

The ivory cream dial is furnished with alternating applied ‘teardrop’ hour indices and numerals, which have slight art-deco influences. The numerals are swept by some of the nicest ‘dauphine’ style hands we have seen on a gents watch. As a whole, this dial speaks of another level of quality and confidence, in keeping with the quality of the case and movement.

The dial simply carries the Omega brand and signature with ‘Swiss made’ at the very bottom. A new correct lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Movement

The very high-grade Omega Cal.283, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement here forms part of the Omega 30mm series first released in 1939 and was so successful it remained in production until 1963. It became famous for winning first prize ‘for Precision’ i.e. accuracy and reliability, at the Kew Observatory trials in 1946 and went on to win back to back 1st prizes at the worlds most competitive trials in Geneva and Neuchâtel throughout 1947-1951. It not only beat all participants, including Patek Philippe, but also relegated Omega’s own Tourbillon movement to second place! The continued success of this calibre was due to its precision and resistance over time and its easy regulation. The simplicity and logical design of the movement made it a favourite of watchmakers.

As can be seen, this beryllium-bronze movement looks spectacularly pristine having been well cared for and properly maintained. It is marked ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘17 jewels’ with the serial number 12464669 which dates the manufacture of this watch to 1950.

The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and the watch therefore winds, runs and sets smoothly and it is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at -10 seconds/day! This is excellent for any watch of this age and has been verified on our electronic timegrapher instrument. The watch also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours.

The Case

The sturdy 18ct yellow gold case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed winding crown. This makes this an exceptionally large wristwatch for the period. The case is of a three-piece construction, with a rounded case-back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. The case-back is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring click.

The watch has been very well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with very few marks visible to the naked eye, indicating this watch has been very well cared for. There are however one or two very small marks on the outer edge of the case which are very hard to pick out unless one has 20:20 vision and holds the watch very close to the eye.

Inside the case-back, all is correct and as expected, signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, with the case serial number 468074 and with 18ct Birmingham UK hallmarks. This case is also signed ‘Dennison, Made In England’ since Dennison produced the majority of Omega watch cases for watches sold in the UK during this time.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality black Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a gold-plated Omega buckle.

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 1950.

The Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included with this watch.

In Conclusion

This is a first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most famous names which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! This will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and 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!