A solid eighteen carat pink, or rose gold, large cased automatic Omega Seamaster watch. This is an exceptionally handsome piece and very rare model found in this stunning hue of eighteen carat gold. This is also a lovely size for watches from this period. They tended to be thirty three millimeters in size or less, but this case measures close to thirty four, not including the crown, and with the long, thick tapering lugs, it wears even larger.
On the stunning, thick, detailed caseback is a depiction of the iconic Seahorse for the Seamaster range. The Seamaster watch’s history dates back to 1948 when it debuted in celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary. The model was an immediate hit and became the brand’s best seller. Today it remains the oldest model in Omega’s current collection, and is as popular as ever with Omega fans.
The first Omega Seamaster was modeled after the waterproof wristwatches made for and worn by the British military during World War Two. What distinguished the Seamaster from its diving watch predecessors was its O-ring gasket which improved its water-resistance. Previously water-resistant watches relied on lead or shellac gaskets which were easily affected by temperature changes like those a diver would experience at various depths. Omega turned to the submarines used during WWII for inspiration and included a resilient rubber gasket in the Seamaster’s final design. This new case remained intact at depths up to 60 meters and temperature ranges between -40 degrees and 50 degrees Celsius. Omega engineers was so confident of the Seamaster’s durability, they attached one to the outside of an aircraft and flew it over the North Pole in 1956.
The movement powering this top of the range Omega watch is the automatic caliber 561. This movement was actually launched the year this watch is made, 1959 and has Omega experts still in love with it. Looking at it from an aesthetic perspective it is easy to understand why, let alone the technology that lies beneath. That highlights what Omega thought of this model.These high grade automatic movements were mainly reserved for the Constellation line, and are chronometer-rated. It is based on the caliber 550 that was introduced in 1959. It ticks at 19.800 bph, has a high twenty four jewel count jewels. This movements lacks a quickset feature, this came later with the caliber 564 movements. However, it can be advanced more rapidly through the 9pm-1am cycle.
The watch is in exceptional condition. It is almost fair to say this watch has barely ever been worn. The case is unpolished with very clean and sharp lines throughout, still featuring a pair of crisp, un-rubbed, hallmarks on each side of its lugs. The case back is fully signed Omega, with model number 14701 S.C and movement serial number stamped onto the bridge. This watch, with an 17.6 million movement number, dates it to 1959, hence the newer movement calibre.
The highly glossy eggshell coloured dial is beautiful and very clean looking, really catching the light. The printing on the dial is a black, classic, Omega font, with the also iconic, early Seamsater logo, with the coat-hanger s. The hours are marked out via a series of classic pink gold stick markers with black enamel applied to the centers. Below this it is signed "Swiss Made". Note there is no luminous material applied to the dial or hand set. The original eighteen carat pink gold hands and also have black enamel filling the space in the center to make them easier to track with the eye, and are paired with a beautiful blued steel center sweep hand.
This is a very beautiful and unusual reference in superb condition. It would look very much at home under a dress shirt sleeve as it would with a polo shirt and chinos, such is its simplicity and clean nature. The condition is also superb for a watch now over sixty five years of age.
