Omega Cal.420 9ct Black Dial 1955

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.

In 1932, the watchmaker became the official timekeeper of the Olympics, inaugurating a multimillion-dollar marketing effort. This was recently extended to the 2032 Games.

Description

A fully restored 9ct gold Omega with a very rare black dial dial from 1955. Omega watches of this period are very highly regarded for their high quality, particularly their movements which are outstanding. Here, the Calibre 420, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement is a gem and following an overhaul and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly. This watch is perfect for evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish. It is also the ideal entry-level watch to the wonderful world of vintage watches.

The Dial

The very rare, black dial is furnished with ‘spearhead’ hour indices and beauiful yellow gold ‘3, 6, 9, 12’ hour numerals, which we feel stand out and make this watch look extra elegant and bold. The numerals are swept by some of the most wonderful ‘dauphine’ style hands we have seen on a gents watch. 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 just below 12 with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial below the 6. A new correct lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

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.420, 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 in the 1950s, the Omega Cal.420 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 +9 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 48-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 Watch Co’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, and carries the Calibre 420, along with the serial number 14073570 which dates this watch to 1955.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

Watch Case

The 9ct yellow gold watch case measures 33.5mm, excluding the unsigned crown and the case-back, bezel and body are all in beautiful condition with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The watch has been lightly used and very carefully looked after, which has meant that after careful inspection, the case has simply required a professional clean and gentle hand-polish to bring back the almost new look of the watch.

The case was made for Omega by Dennison in the UK who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London, both produced top quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website. The case is signed ‘Dennison’ and ‘Made in England’, along with ‘A.L.D.’ which was the Dennison manufacturers stamp. The case also carries the case reference number 12302 and the serial number 531327. Birmingham UK 9ct hallmarks date this watch to 1955.

Note – Although this watch case was classed as waterproof when new and all the rubber seals have been replaced, this watch has not been pressure tested and its water resistance is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality dark brown leather strap has been fitted, along with a gold-plated Omega buckle. We feel the strap matches the watch nicely, however, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, however, we can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.

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 1955.

A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, 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 high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included with this watch.

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. It 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!

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.

Please note, 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 be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you