Omega Automatic 18K Pink Gold 1946/7 Two Tone Dial

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega have pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots. Again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s 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 Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A fully restored top of the range Omega Automatic dress watch from late 1946 / early 1947, in solid 18ct Pink gold. The most attractive two tone silver dial and the subsidiary seconds dial are distinctive features of this watch. The pink gold case is a large size 35mm diameter, excluding the Omega Crown and this watch has a very high grade Cal.332 movement, which along with the rest of this beautiful watch is in pristine sparkling condition.

The Dial

The two tone Cream and guilloche effect, ribbon silver dial catches the changing light beautifully and although it is difficult to capture to the full effect in our photographs, we have done our best! The raised applied baton gilt hour indices,  original Dauphine hands and subsidiary seconds dial are all in superb condition. The dial is signed with raised gilt and Omega brand, ‘Omega Automatic’ and below ‘6’ – ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.  The dial also features a minutes/second track dividing the cream dial centre from the guilloche silver outer dial. Please take a close look at the photos of this fabulous dial – this is the original dial, which has been restored to the very highest standards by the best dial restorer in the UK.

The Case

The original high grade, Omega Swiss made 18ct pink gold case is particularly rare as few watches were made in Pink gold during the 1940s and 1950s. The case is immaculate and has been professionally cleaned and polished and has no scratches or marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is also in beautiful condition and has never been inscribed. The case measures a large 35mm diameter, not including the Omega signed crown.  Inside the case back bears the Omega Watch Co. triangle branding and FAB SUISSE and Swiss 18ct .750 hallmarks. It carries the Omega reference number 2617 and case serial number 10924988.  Although originally specified as water resistant, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

The Movement

As can be seen, the original Omega Chronometer grade Cal.332 copper-tone bumper automatic movement is totally pristine. Bumper movements use a rotor which winds the movement by gently bouncing backwards and forwards between two spring ‘bumpers’ through the movements of the wearer’s wrist. These watch movements are very accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for every day use.

The movement is signed Omega Watch Co. Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels with the serial number 11652938 which dates manufacture to very late 1946 / early 1947.  The movement winds, runs & sets smoothly and is working perfectly and keeping excellent time – Signed Omega Watch Co Swiss – Seventeen  Jewels – and Cal.332.

These high grade Cal.332 movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and it is calibrated to run arrow straight within +9 seconds / day! This movement has a 42 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.

This Omega is offered with a 12 months’ on the movement warranty*.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is complimented with a very high quality Dark Brown Crocodile leather strap with a matching pink gold plated Omega buckle. If you would prefer a different colour or style of strap please let us know and we will do our best to oblige. If a new Omega strap is preferred, this can be fitted for an extra £50.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks all correct dating the watch to late 1946 /early 1947.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale and our ‘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 a presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a superb early example of a range topping Omega bumper automatic dress watch. Having an 18ct pink gold case  and a two tone dial makes this watch particularly rare.  The movement 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 watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well known stores in West London which are highly 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 would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note we welcome part exchanges.

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

Thank you.