A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Omega time only watch made for the 1956 XVI Melbourne Olympic games. This reference 2850 SC is an unusual and extremely handsome watch which was made to commemorate the first time the Olympics had made its way to the Southern Hemisphere. In 1952, Omega was awarded the Olympic cross of merit for their twenty years of service as official timekeeper of the games. To commemorate the achievement, the brand developed these very special watches to be released in time for the 16th summer games.
With an exceptionally thick and beautifully designed solid yellow gold case construction and a lacquered dial featuring applied, highly stylised solid gold Olympic XVI, the Seamaster XVI is very much unique and exceptional quality wrist watch. Two designs were introduced for the games, with only this one being "officially" approved. An estimated one hundred pieces featuring the cross logo with rings. It is said production was halted by Omega as they did not properly clear the use of the cross logo. This more common Seamaster XVI variant with no cross or rings on the dial, but rather an applied Roman numeral XVI, replaced it.
One of the first things that strikes you when handling the watch is the overall weight. It is not to say that Omega didn't always make great cases. But, it is fair to say for this important watch, they went over and above. In order to achieve that, they subcontracted one of the best watch case makers in the world; Ed. Wenger SA. Wenger built the cases of many legendary Patek Philippe watches over the years. Icons like the reference 2499 perpetual calendar chronographs and reference 2497 perpetual calendars. It has to be said, that this stands out when holding, and inspecting the case. The design, with its dog leg lugs and unusual stepped crown exudes quality, and a special watch. Not to mention the inclusion of the Cross of Merit Olympic logo, maligned initially on the dial, now die stamped into the case back.
Another element that makes this example quite unusual is the dial. Often with these "XVI" dials are gold. However, a small number were actually lacquered. More often than not finding themselves into pink gold cases, this one appears in the yellow. This dial is also beautiful in the way it has aged. It has taken on a crazed, almost crackle glaze like a fine piece of ceramic. This can be seen in the close up image. The large coffin markers are also beautiful and wonderfully executed. They are very much in synergy with the applied gold Omega symbol and logo, and, of course, the XVI as mentioned prior, with black Seamaster painted above in the iconic font. The hands are simple, yet perfect solid gold dauphine example paired with a classic tapered center sweep seconds hand.
The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 471 moment. A beautiful copper, nineteen jewel movement with a forty six hour power reserve. This movement was a fairly short run movement in Omega terms, being introduced in 1954 and phased out in 1959.
Overall, this is an exceptional and rare opportunity to own a wonderful piece of both Omega history and Olympic. Whether you a fan of the Olympics, watches of both, it is rare for examples like this to find their way to market. Due to design of the case, it is very likely that it is presented in an unpolished condition. There is light wear overall, but nothing to detract from the appearance. Superb for a watch now sixty five years old.
