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,  the immaculate silver-white dial and also, 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 silver-white dial is furnished with alternating applied ‘teardrop’ hour indices and standard Arabic numerals, with art-deco influences. The numerals are swept by the original set of ‘dauphine’ style hands which are in marvellous condition when one considers their 70 year lifetime. 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 and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom. A new 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 movement forms part of the Omega 30mm series first released in 1939, which 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, its easy regulation and the simplicity and logical design of the movement which made it a favourite of watchmakers.

The Cal.283 movement in this watch has obviously been well cared for and properly maintained. It is marked ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘17 jewels’ with the serial number 12464395 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 winds, runs and sets smoothly and is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +8 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, where standard sized watches measured 33mm in diameter. The case is of a three-piece construction, with a case-back of full-thickness which has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring click.

After a close inspection, the watch case 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 almost no marks visible to the naked eye, indicating this watch has been very well cared for.

Inside the case-back, all is correct and as expected with the case serial number 468007 and 18ct Birmingham UK hallmarks. This case is signed ‘Dennison, Made In England’ and ‘A.L.D.’ as Dennison produced the majority of Omega watch cases for Omega watches sold in the UK during this period.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality burgundy 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 mahogany box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

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!