Description

As everyone familiar with vintage watches knows, watches were much smaller in the olden days … and particularly so compared to the crazy sizes we see in the high street stores today! Typically, during the 1940s and ’50s, gent’s watches started at 30mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The majority were 31 – 33mm, and during the 1960s and 70s, sizes were usually to 33 – 34mm. Vintage watches larger than this are referred to as Oversize and these are highly sought after as the seemingly small difference in diameter, adds significantly to the ‘presence’ of the watch on the wrist. A 1mm increase in diameter, adds over 3mm (3.142) to the circumference of a watch.

Vintage Omega watches of 35-36mm are rare and considered Oversize.  A 36mm diameter watch, as we see here in pink gold, with an automatic movement, is particularly rare.

The Dial

A simply stunning looking watch dial in copper-gold with applied onyx inlaid pink gilt ‘Pencil’ hour indices, matched with the original restored pink gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands. The dial has a vertical grain which catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. We think the hour indices are particularly beautiful on this watch.

The overall look is that of a classic gentleman’s Omega dress watch of the late 1950s and early ’60s. This is a perfect watch for evening wear or everyday use, should you so wish.

The dial is signed ‘Omega’ with the applied Omega brand and ‘Swiss Made’, at the very bottom of the dial. The dial also carries the classic cross-hair 1950s subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’. Just wonderful!

The hands are original and restored and have been kept as they are, rather than replaced. This is to retain their originality, character, and charm.

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

This is an early example of Omega’s Calibre 491, subsidiary seconds dial movement with 19 Jewels and full rotor automatic bi-directional winding. Made in beryllium bronze, this was part of Omega’s second series of in-house automatic movements, produced between 1955 and 1960 and one of the very first non-bumper automatics.

As can be seen, the movement is in incredibly clean condition, and it has obviously been very well maintained.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker.  The watch movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is keeping excellent time. Following its service, the movement has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +9 seconds/day which is excellent for any watch of this age and has also been verified on our electronic timegrapher instrument. The watch also has an excellent power reserve of 46 hours.

The Case

As can be seen from each profile photograph, this watch is immaculate in every respect and so this watch has most definitely seen very careful ownership and light use.

As mentioned above, at 36mm this is an Oversize watch and rarely found in 18ct pink gold. The watch carries its original Omega signed crown.

Please note: It is important to be careful with large cased Omega watches as some have unsigned watch cases. Many larger watches were cased in Argentina during the 1950s when Omega allowed this practice due to difficulties in exporting complete gold cased watches to Argentina, which was a very important market at the time. This watch, however, has a totally genuine and fully signed and branded Omega case, carrying both the Omega model and serial numbers. It also carries Geneva Swiss 18ct gold hallmarks.

The case has an interesting profile as the bezel and case-back slightly protrude the width of the main case, providing the case with a classical look.

The case is of three-piece construction with a press-fit case-back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and very reassuring pop. The case profile and overall design carry a good deal of 1950s style with nicely crafted lugs, making the case of obvious high quality and sophistication.

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 no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. Even under high magnification, it is very hard to find any signs of wear, indicating this watch has seen very little use and has had a charmed life.

Inside the case, all is as expected and correctly signed and branded: ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Swiss Made’ with the case serial number 193428. It also carries the Omega model reference number 2899 and Swiss Geneva 18ct gold hallmarks.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, genuine Omega black Alligator strap, along with a matching Omega gold plated buckle has been fitted.

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 1958.

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

In Conclusion

Omega watches of this quality and rarity will always remain collectable and values will remain strong, so this watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly of late, we feel excellent examples such as this still remain undervalued. Each year as the world market for fine vintage watches grows ever wider, limited availability means prices are surely destined to climb ever higher! However, the rarest pieces such as this, tend to climb in value faster and remain stronger than the mainstream.