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 multi-million dollar marketing effort. This was recently extended to the 2032 games.
Description
Here we have a beautiful example of a rare Cal.284 gentleman’s 18ct gold dress watch from 1957 with a most beautiful unrestored and untouched silver and cream two-tone dial.
This is Omega model reference 2895 and at 35mm in diameter, excluding the crown, this is considered an ‘Oversize’ watch for the period. This watch has seen little use and lots of care and is in remarkable condition.
A notable feature of this watch is the design, construction and quality of the three-piece ribbed case which like the rest of this watch is in outstanding condition. However, what lies beneath is the rare Omega Cal.284 movement which was a development of the tremendously successful Omega Cal.30 series. This is simply one of the finest hand-wound watch 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.
The movement and the sturdiness of the case make this a perfect hand-wound vintage watch for both evening wear and everyday use – as you wish.
The Dial
The silver and cream two-tone, crosshair dial is one of the nicest we have seen from this period and is in original unrestored condition. It carries perhaps the most even and attractive patina we have ever seen on a dial. The centre has turned a lovely even shade of cream, while the outer dial has retained its silver appearance with a sprinkling of coffee. There is none of the usual pitting or scratches or other unsightly damage we often see on unrestored aged dials.
The overall design of the dial is simple, elegant and discreet while carrying a lot of interest when more closely examined. It is furnished with applied ‘dagger’ and ‘baton’ hour indices, swept by the original ‘dauphine’ style hands. The crosshairs tie the dial together nicely and finish it beautifully.
The dial is simply signed with the Omega brand and signature with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
A new lens has been fitted.
Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we offer here. However here we decided due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to offer a contrast with most of the other watches you see on our website, which have their dials restored.
If you particularly like this watch and you would prefer to have the dial restored, please contact us to enquire as this can be arranged at cost price.
The Case
The Omega Swiss made 18ct yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed winding crown. This makes this an exceptionally large wristwatch for the period, when typical sized watches measured 32 or 33mm diameter.
The case is of a sturdy three-piece construction with a wide bezel and strong lugs. This is a tight-fitting case and the case-back presses back with a pleasing and reassuring pop. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside is all correct and signed ‘Omega Watch Co’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the case serial number 221911, the Omega model number 2895 and 18ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks.
This watch has been lightly used and well cared for therefore after a close inspection, the case has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition with no flaws or marks visible to the naked eye.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The rare Omega Cal.284, 17 Jewel movement 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 and the simplicity and logic design of the movement that made it a favourite of watchmakers.
Although part of the Omega 30mm series of movements, the Calibre 284 is seldom seen compared to many of its brethren, making it more sought after.
As can be seen, this beryllium-bronze movement looks spectacularly pristine having been well cared for and properly maintained. It is all signed correctly and as expected; ‘Omega’, ‘Swiss’, and ‘17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 284 and the serial number 15567191, dating the manufacture of the watch to 1957.
The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and the watch winds, runs and sets smoothly and is keeping excellent time. Following its service, it has been calibrated and is currently running arrow straight at +4 seconds/day! This is truly 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 45 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 Strap & Buckle
A Hirsch brown leather strap and gold-plated Omega buckle is fitted, which we feel this 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 from our partners at Watch Obsession.
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 1957.
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 vintage Omega box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
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 which 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.
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.
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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
