Description

A fully restored 18ct pink gold Omega with an elegant silver-white starburst dial from 1961. Omega watches of this period are very highly regarded for their high quality, particularly their movements which are outstanding. Here, the Calibre 285, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement is a gem and following an overhaul and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly. Pink gold Omega watches from this period are rare because relatively few were produced.

This watch is perfect for evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish. Also the ideal entry-level watch to the wonderful world of vintage watches.

The Dial

The style here is classic 1960s  Omega, comprising of a very clean and simple design. The silver-white dial carries pink gilt applied ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original classic ‘Dauphine’ hands. The dial carries an applied gilt Omega brand and is simply signed ‘Omega’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom below the 6.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The Omega Cal.285, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement fitted to this watch was one of Omega’s most successful movements, remaining in production for over 20 years.

Manufactured by Omega between 1940 and 1963, the Omega Cal.285 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, making this watch perfectly suited for everyday use as well as evening wear. The movement is in tip-top condition having been 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 -3 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is excellent for any watch of this age and has been confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. The movement also has an excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, and carries the Calibre 285, along with the serial number 18,970,795 which dates this watch to 1961.

The Case

The two-piece 18ct pink gold Omega French-made case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the original signed Omega winding crown. This would have been an average to large-sized gents watch in the early 1960s.  The case, as we would expect from Omega, is very solid and well made. Pink gold Omega watches from this period are rare because relatively few were produced.

The press-fit case-back closes with a very solid and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating the case has been impeccably built and maintained. It is of full-thickness and has never been engraved.

Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected: Signed ‘Omega’, with the reference number 612913 along with French 18ct gold hallmarks.

Having been cleaned, carefully examined and lightly hand-polished by our case maker, the case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb general condition of the rest of the watch, indicates this watch has received an excellent level of care and only light use.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new dark brown Alligator leather strap has been fitted, with a pink gold-plated Omega buckle, which we feel matches the watch perfectly.

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 1961.

In Conclusion

This is a first class example of a top quality Omega, in 18ct pink gold with the superb Omega Cal.285 hand-wound movement. The movement is of a high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

If treated with care this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece to use, wear, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

The watch also comes complete with the matching vintage Omega presentation box as shown in the photographs.