Omega ‘Cioccolatone’ Cal.501 Automatic 18K Pink Gold 1958

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 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 into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A wonderful example of a classic, 1950s gentleman’s Omega Automatic dress watch, with a ‘Cioccolatone’ 18ct Pink Gold case, all in beautifully restored condition. Further points of note include the stunning Ivory Cream and Pink Gold dial and the superb condition of the high grade, Cal.501 automatic movement. The watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves and it is in pristine condition throughout.

The Dial

The superb Ivory Cream dial has applied pink gold arrowhead hour indices matched with original restored ‘Lancette’ hands, each of which look wonderful against the pink gold case. The dial is simply beautiful, crowned by double arrowheads at ’12’. The design of the dial and case puts this firmly in the dressier ‘dress watch’, classy evening wear category.

The dial is signed with an applied pink gold Omega brand with ‘Omega’, ‘Automatic’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Case

During the late ’40s and ’50s, pretty much all of the major watch brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC, Longines, Zenith and Vacheron Constantine, introduced ‘Cioccolatone’ style watches to the market. These were very popular at the time. These rounded square chocolate shaped watches were named ‘Cioccolatone’, from the Italian for chocolate. While a good number were made, they are seldom seen on the market these days, perhaps because any serious collector of each of the above brands has to have at least one example!

The solid 18ct pink gold case is 30mm square, excluding the signed Omega crown and 40mm including the lugs. This may sound a little on the small side, but in fact, it equates to around about a 35mm diameter normal watch, as corner to corner, the case measures 40mm.

The watch case has been carefully inspected, cleaned and lightly polished, which was all which was required to bring it back to the immaculate condition you see here. The case has no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co’ and carries Swiss 18ct hallmarks, along with the case reference number 3385526.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

As can be seen, the original Omega Chronometer grade Cal.501, copper-tone, automatic movement is totally pristine.  These watch movements are very accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and regular everyday use.

Omega Cal.501 movements are highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +11 seconds per day with a 46-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed Omega Watch Co Swiss – Twenty Jewels – and Cal.501 with the serial number 16,256,655 which dates the watch to 1958.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a very high quality Burgundy Hirsch ‘Regent’ leather strap with a matching pink gold plated Omega buckle. We think this contrasts very nicely with the pink gold case and the dial, 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. We can also obtain most types and colours of strap, from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 17mm straps if you wish, here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1958. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 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 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 hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A beautiful example of a top of the range Omega automatic dress watch with a ‘Cioccolatone’ 18ct pink gold case. 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 about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best 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 choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. 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 our landline 020 7727 7095  or mobile  07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095  or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

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 also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!

Thank you.