Omega Watches
Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. 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 to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed 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 beautiful, fully restored Cal.283 gentleman’s black dial 18ct gold dress watch from 1953. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the stunning black dial, quickly followed by the movement which was a development of the tremendously successful Cal.30 series, simply one of the finest hand-wound movement designs ever conceived. It is also an important movement in the record books, for its incredible standards of accuracy and reliability attained at all the competitive trials it entered and won. See below.
Other notable features of this watch include its substantial 36mm oversize watch case which is typically 1940s in its style.
The Dial
The beautiful, original cross-hair black dial looks simply superb. This is one of the most sought-after Omega dial designs in recent years and it isn’t difficult to see why. Furnished with gold ‘baton’ hour indices matched by the original restored ‘Dauphine’ hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is a classic of its time and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.
The dial also carries the applied gold Omega brand and signature, with ‘Swiss Made’ below the 6.
A new correct replacement Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the minute Omega symbol in the very centre of the dial.
This is the original dial which has been restored by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The Omega Cal.283, 17 Jewels movement here forms part of the Omega 30mm series first released in 1939, which was so successful it remained in production until 1963. It became famous for winning first prize ‘for Precision’ i.e. accuracy and reliability, at the Kew Observatory trials in 1946 and went on to win back to back 1st prizes at the worlds most competitive trials in Geneva and Neuchâtel throughout 1947-1951. It not only beat all comers, including Patek Philippe, but also relegated Omega’s own Tourbillon movement to second place! The continued success of this calibre was due to its precision and resistance over time, its easy regulation, the simplicity and logic design of the movement that made it a favourite of watchmakers.
As can be seen, this beryllium-bronze movement looks spectacularly pristine having been well cared for and properly maintained. It is marked ’17 jewels’ with the serial number 13890949 which means the date of manufacture was 1953.
The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and the watch therefore winds, runs & sets smoothly and it is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +8 seconds/day! This excellent for any watch of this age and has been verified on our electronic timegrapher instrument. The watch also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours. We are therefore more than happy to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.
*Please note, our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Case
The sturdy 18ct yellow gold case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed winding crown. This makes this an exceptionally large wristwatch for the period. The case is of a three-piece construction, with a rounded case-back which is of full thickness and has never been engraved. This is tight-fitting and presses down with a pleasing and reassuring click.
The case profile is ribbed where the bezel meets the case which adds interest to the design. Likewise, the elegantly shaped sweeping lugs lift the watch slightly on the wrist, again increasing the overall impression of quality and sophistication.
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 very few marks visible to the naked eye, indicating this watch has been very well cared for. There are however one or two very small marks on the outer edge of the case which are very hard to pick out unless one has 20:20 vision and holds the watch very close to the eye.
Inside the case, all is as expected and correctly signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Swiss Made’ and carries the case serial number 11325769 and the Omega model reference number 2886. This is a Swiss made case and so carries Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high-quality brown leather strap has been fitted, along with with a matching gold plated Omega buckle. 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, but 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 1953.
Our 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 vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch.
In Conclusion
An exceptionally high-quality vintage wristwatch with one of the best hand-wound movements of all time. 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!
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them 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 also welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
We await your call and 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 vintage watches, we will also be 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 
