Omega Watches
Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Omega Speedmasters were the first watches to arrive on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Description
A beautifully restored Cal.485 ladies 18ct gold dress watch from 1971, on its original integral 18ct gold bark finished bracelet, which is in superb condition, having only been lightly worn and requiring only a light hand polish to return to the almost as new condition you see here.
The Dial
The beautiful original, unrestored and completely untouched matching gold bark finished dial carries the traditional Omega styling cues. Gilt ‘baton’ hour indices inlaid with onyx, matched by the original black ‘Index’ hands. The dial carries only the Omega brand and signature.
This is the original dial which considering its age, is in remarkably good condition and free from any of the fading, pitting or scratches we usually see on a dial of this age. The overall effect is quite wonderful, with a very nice and even patina. The dial has shifted from a light champagne yellow as seen around the centre of the dial, to a more golden yellow. There is some gentle ageing across the whole of the dial, in the form of light spotting, just as many collectors like to see.
Generally, we restore the dials of a watches we offer here, but this is the kind of watch many Omega collectors like to acquire in original condition, so we felt it was best left alone to retain the originality and charm.
The Movement
The high grade Omega Calibre 485 hand-wound, copper-plated beryllium-bronze movement is in absolute tip-top sparkling condition.
The movement has been fully overhauled by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means disassembling the watch movement down to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration and testing. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +16 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions and this has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 46-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.
The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ and ‘17 Jewels’ with the calibre number 485 and the serial number 33682020, which dates the watch to 1971.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The sturdy 18ct solid yellow gold case measures just 17mm in diameter, excluding the crown. This makes this a mid to small size ladies watch. However, the case is very robust meaning the watch, while ‘ladies cocktail watch size’, is still suitable for everyday use.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as we would expect with The Omega Watch Co. triangle, along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the Omega reference number 7115648.
The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and carefully hand-polished, which was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition with no scratches dings or marks of any kind visible to the naked eye.
As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The original heavy integral woven link Omega 18ct bracelet carries a bark finish and is in close to ‘as new’ condition. It is of its original full length and is adjustable between 16cm to 17cm which equates to 6.25″ inches to 6.75″ inches i.e. a small to medium size ladies wrist. The bracelet is adjusted using the three-step Omega ladder locking catch. The bracelet has simply been cleaned and lightly polished to bring it back to the condition you see here.
Please note – this bracelet can be tailored free of charge by our watch case maker, if required, once purchased.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1971.
A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
The watch also comes complete with the presentation box shown.
In Conclusion
A rather special and rare vintage gold ladies automatic watch from one of horology’s most famous names, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!
This is a truly top class example which is in immaculate condition and with an original dial. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Omega prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are still undervalued, because as each year goes by, the world market for vintage Omega watches is expanding almost exponentially, so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
We welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095. If calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095
We await your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will be very happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
