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 continuous production ever since.
Description
Here we have an Omega Seamaster with the Calibre 562 date automatic movement and a heavy 14ct gold case, from 1964. This example also has a beautifully restored silver-white dial, with ‘Spearhead’ hour indices and onyx inlaid ‘Lance’ style hands. This is the Omega model reference 14701 S.C.
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 classic 1960s Omega silver-white dial is complete with its original onyx inlaid ‘Lance’ hands and applied gilt, ‘Spearhead’ hour indices. The dial carries the applied gilt Omega brand and signature and is signed ‘Automatic’ below. The dial is also signed ‘Seamaster’ in the lower half of the dial, with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom. The dial is typically vintage Omega of the period and subtly changes colour from silver to a brilliant white, depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. However, the dial colour looks much warmer under indoor lighting. An aperture at ‘3’, framed in yellow gold, displays the watches date function.
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 top grade Omega Cal.562, 24 Jewel movement, which is the same movement used in the range-topping, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation range of the same period. 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 and adjustment and calibration. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +4 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration as we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. 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.562 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. 562, 24 Jewels, and the Serial No. 21869953 which dates this watch to 1964.
* Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
Watch Case
The 14ct gold watch case measures 33.5mm, excluding the correct original Omega signed crown. The screw-down case-back carries the Seamaster motif, which here is quite lightly worn, indicating this watch has only seen light use.
This watch case is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.
The inside of the case-back carries Swiss 14ct gold hallmarks, along with the Omega model reference number 14701 S.C. Also stamped in the case-back is the Omega branding, indicating the case was made by Omega in Switzerland, likely for the American market due to the choice of 14ct gold.
Although this watch case was classed as waterproof when new and all the rubber seals have been replaced, this watch has not been pressure tested and water resistance is not guaranteed.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality dark brown lizard strap has been fitted with a 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 1964.
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”.
The original vintage Omega presentation box shown is included in the sale of this watch.
In Conclusion
A wonderful example of a vintage gold Omega Seamaster and even though it is over 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is indeed a thing of beauty, to wear, treasure and enjoy and 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 our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
