Description

The Omega Seamaster was first released in 1948 as a waterproof automatic dress watch and has remained a mainstay of the Omega catalogue and in continuous production to this very day. Here we have a beautiful example of a fully restored, model reference 165.009, 18ct pink gold Omega Seamaster with a silver-white dial, from 1962. This watch is also notable for its original very high grade 24 Jewel, Calibre 552 automatic movement, which having just been overhauled and serviced, is running perfectly and is in absolutely sparkling condition!

The Dial

The beautiful silver-white dial is stunning and looks much better than the photographs do it justice. The dial is beautifully balanced and elegant and we feel benefits from the omission of a date window. The original, restored pink gilt ‘Index’ hands match the applied pink gilt ‘baton’ hour indices, providing the perfect combination of beauty, elegance and simplicity.

A new Omega lens has also 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 Case

The solid 18ct pink gold case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the original signed Omega winding crown. This would have been classed as a large-sized gentleman’s watch in the early 1960s.

This watch case is totally immaculate, being very crisp with no scratches, dings or other blemishes visible to the naked eye. The rear of the screw-down case-back has the Seamaster relief, which is in very sharp and crisp condition. This, along with the superb condition of the rest of the watch case, indicates this watch has received an excellent level of care and only light use. The inside of the case-back all is correct and as expected. It is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’, and carries 18ct French hallmarks. It also carries the Omega model number 1613009.

The watch has been very well cared for and so 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.

The case is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed.

While all the rubber seals have been replaced, the watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed. Our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The original, very high grade, Cal.552, 24 Jewels automatic movement is in simply spectacular condition, as can be seen from the photographs, and has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker.

This Cal. 552 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability and has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +12 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day this watch will never need winding and very rarely need resetting. We are therefore very happy to provide a 12-month warranty on this watch*. The movement is correctly signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ and carries the Calibre number 552 and the serial number 19624808 which dates this watch to 1962.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality, black Lizard strap has been fitted, along with a pink 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 1962.

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

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of the iconic Omega Seamaster automatic watch with the Calibre 552 movement which is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. 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!