Omega Seamaster Cal.501 18ct 1959

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. 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 ’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 into 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.

The Omega Seamaster was introduced by Omega in 1948 and has remained in production continuously ever since.

Description

Here we have a rare, early Omega Seamaster with the Calibre 501 automatic movement and heavy-duty 18ct gold case, from 1959. This example has a wonderful previously restored two-tone ivory and champagne dial, with ‘diamond’ hour indices.

Omega Seamaster watches have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability so these are considered one of the most practical everyday vintage watches one can buy.

The Dial

The superb two-tone ivory and champagne dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The dial with ‘diamond’ hour indices, is matched with the unrestored ‘Dauphine’ hands, all of which look wonderful against the yellow gold case. The dial is effortlessly classic, elegant and stylish and just the kind of style which never dates.

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

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and is in simply wonderful condition.

The Movement

As can be seen, the original Omega Chronometer grade Cal.501, copper-tone, automatic movement is totally pristine. The Calibre 501 was the first full rotor driven movement and is considered to be one of Omegas best ever. These 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 +5 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 16,332,060 which dates the watch to 1959.

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

The Case

An early Omega Seamaster in such fine condition as this is a rare thing in the vintage watch market. This very lightly polished, large and noticeably heavy 18ct solid gold case with very solid swept-back lugs measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct, early Omega signed crown.

The case is in amazing condition showing no signs of wear visible to the naked eye and even under a loupe it is very hard to fault. It is also of full-thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected: signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Dennison’, ‘A.L.D’ and ‘Made in England’ with the serial number 944460 and Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks.

Although the rubber seals have been replaced, and this watch was originally specified as water-resistant, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A brown leather watch strap has been fitted with a matching gold-plated Omega buckle which we feel finishes this watch perfectly. 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 from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of straps if you wish here.

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 1959.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is an outstanding example of the rare yellow gold Omega Seamaster automatic dress watch with the highly regarded Cal.501 movement. This 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 of its day. Omega Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this 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.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.

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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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!