Omega Seamaster Cal.354 Automatic 14ct 1953

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 354 bumper automatic movement and heavy-duty 14ct gold case, from 1953. This example also has a two-tone silver and white dial, with ‘spearhead’ hour indices and 3, 6, 9, 12 Arabic numerals. This is Omega model reference 2577/2520 SC.

This watch is immaculate, having just completed full restoration by our team. The highly regarded movement in particular, is in spectacular condition.

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 silver and silver-white dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The 3, 6, 9, 12 dial with applied gilt numerals and ‘spearhead’ hour indices, is matched with the original restored ‘Dauphine’ hands, all of which look wonderful against the gold case. The dial is typical of the early 1950s, effortlessly classic, elegant and stylish. This is 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 is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

Movement

This is the Omega Cal.354 which is the same movement used in the range-topping, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation of the same period. The Cal.354 movement was designed by Charles Perregaux and is a true classic which has certainly stood the test of time. The bumper automatic uses an oscillating rotor which winds the movement in one direction. Over 1.3 million of these movements were produced between 1943 and 1955 and carefully designed for chronometer levels of accuracy while remaining robust enough to handle the strong vibrations caused by the hammer action. However, this movement was not submitted by Omega for chronometer testing and so it cannot be called a Chronometer.

As can be seen, the fully restored beryllium bronze movement is in amazingly clean condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled to all its component parts, carefully inspected under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts before careful reassembly, adjustment and calibration. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within -8 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher and this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has an excellent 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The Omega Cal.354 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, making this watch ideal for regular daily use.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ along with the Calibre No. 354, ‘17 Jewels’, and the Serial No. 13763239 which dates this watch to 1953.

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

Watch Case

The heavy, 14ct yellow gold waterproof* watch case measures 34mm, excluding the correct original Omega signed crown. It is in the typically bold, imposing/robust design of the Omega Seamaster of the period, with strong sweeping lugs and a screw-back. The three-part case was designed to be waterproof and dustproof, with a wide chamfered bezel and a screw-down case-back. A point of note here – as this is an early Seamaster, it quite correctly does not have the Seamaster motif which was not introduced until the late 1950s.

The case-back, bezel and body are all in beautiful condition with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The watch has been lightly used and very carefully looked after, which has meant that after careful inspection, the case has simply required a professional clean and gentle hand-polish to bring back the almost new look of the watch.

Inside the case-back all is as expected with the correct branding and correctly signed: Omega Watch Co, Swiss Made, along with Swiss 14ct hallmarks and the case serial number 11255389. It also carries the Omega model reference numbers 2577 and 2520 SC as this watch has a transitional case.

*Please note – although all the rubber seals in the crown and case back have been replaced and this watch was classed as waterproof when new, 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 calf leather watch strap has been fitted with a matching period 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 18mm 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 1953.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with 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”.

A vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is as rare and very early vintage gold Omega Seamaster as you are ever likely to find. Even though it was produced almost 70 years ago, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch and is indeed a thing of beauty, to wear, treasure and enjoy. It is also one of the most collectable watches from one of the most famous names in Swiss watchmaking. If treated with care this watch will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and as the world market for vintage gold Omega watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world means prices will inevitably climb ever higher.

A word on 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 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 with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also 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 on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095

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

Thank you.