Omega Seamaster 18K 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 the 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.

Description

The Omega Seamaster was first released in 1948 and has been key to Omega’s product range ever since, remaining in production to this day. It has always represented the highest standards of accuracy and reliability and its design and standards of construction always mean a certain solidity, with good standards of water and dust resistance.

The example we have here is a rare, early 18ct gold Omega Seamaster, with an original starburst dial from 1958. In addition to its top condition unrestored dial, this watch is notable for its original very high grade, 17 Jewel, Calibre.332  movement, which is in sparkling condition!

The Dial

The beautiful original unrestored starburst dial looks wonderful and much better than the photographs show. It is in absolute top condition and has had no retouching or immersive cleaning. Only the slightest signs of pitting are visible, but only under a loupe. Usually, we restore the watch dial as part of the overall restoration, but in this case, we felt the dial was too good to restore and so we have left it alone, for the benefit of originality.

The original ‘Leaf’ hands match the applied black, onyx inlaid gilt baton hour indices, giving the watch the perfect combination of beauty, elegance and simplicity.

The mark of an earlier Seamaster is the subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock which is attractively framed by two cross-hairs. Also this watch has the plain case back as opposed to the later watches which carry the Seamaster motif.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.  A new Omega replacement lens has been fitted.

The Case

The Omega Swiss made 18ct yellow gold case, measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the original signed Omega winding crown. The case has a press-fit bezel and case-back with an attractive ribbed body and beautiful swept back, teardrop profile lugs.

The case is in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.

Inside the press-fit case-back, all is as it should be: Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks, signed ‘Omega Watch Co’,  ‘Swiss Made’ with the case reference number 10,870,781, and the Omega Model No. 2398.

The Movement

Between 1948 and 1958, Omega used Bumper automatic watch movements, which use an oscillating rotor, which instead of rotating through 360 degrees as in their later watches, bounces between two springs to wind the watch.

This original very high grade, Cal.332, 17 Jewels Bumper Automatic movement is in simply spectacular condition, as can be seen from the photographs and has been given a full overhaul, including a service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker.

The movement is correctly signed Omega Watch Co Swiss and carries the calibre number 332 and the serial number 11,647,281 which date this watch to 1958. While all the rubber seals have been replaced, the watch has not been tested for water resistance and this is not guaranteed. Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Calibre 332 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within -9 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore very happy to provide a 12-month warranty on this watch*.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality, Black ‘Croc’ leather strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated Omega buckle. Please note 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 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 1958.

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 matching vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

In Conclusion

This is a superb example of the classic Omega Seamaster with a beautiful original unrestored starburst dial and the superb Calibre 332 movement.

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 Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this early 18ct watch means the value will always remain strong.

This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. 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 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 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 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 are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! 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.