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Omega Seamaster Ref. 2846 Gilt black dial

No Van Gogh, but this piece still gives you a little bit of Starry Night on the wrist.

This Omega Seamaster Ref. 2846 dates to circa 1955 and is all about its black gilt dial. More than seventy years have given the surface a fine golden speckling, creating a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop for the warm Arabic numerals, hour markers and hands. This watch is exactly what we like to see here at AWCo, it is the sort of patina that makes two otherwise identical vintage watches feel completely different.

The 34 mm case is gold-capped, pairing a warm gold exterior with a steel caseback. Add the gently domed acrylic crystal and black leather strap, and the watch has that very particular fifties balance between dressy and practical. Especially from the side, the curved lugs and raised crystal give it a profile that feels unmistakably of the period.

Inside is Omega’s automatic calibre 501, one of the brand’s important full-rotor automatic movements from the 1950s. It suits this Seamaster particularly well: mechanically serious underneath, while the gilt dial and gold-capped case take care of the charm on the outside.

It is easy to forget that the early Seamaster was not conceived simply as a dress watch. Omega introduced the collection in 1948 with water resistance and everyday robustness at its core. In 1955, around the same period as this watch, diver Gordon McLean took a Seamaster to a depth of 62.5 metres off the Australian coast. The familiar rotating-bezel Seamaster 300 would only arrive two years later.

So this is a Seamaster from before the Seamaster looked like a dive watch: compact, gold-capped and powered by calibre 501, with a black gilt dial that has developed a personality entirely of its own. A rather good reminder that patina cannot be ordered from a catalogue. Available at Reestraat 3, Amsterdam.

Year

1955
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€ 3.290

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Brand Omega
Diameter 34 mm
Model Seamaster
Bracelet/strap: Leather
Reference 2846
Buckle/clasp Aftermarket plated
Year of production (circa) 1955
Lug Width 18 mm
Material Gold capped
Set Content Watch only
Crystal Acrylic
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color Black
Movement Automatic

The Omega Seamaster was introduced in 1948 and is, as such, the longest continuously running line within Omega’s catalogue. While these early Seamasters might look like dress-watches by today’s standards, their unique selling point was the use of an O-ring gasket between the case and the screw-in caseback. This development, taken from Submarine innovation during WWII, provided the watches with waterproofing that is anything but dressy. A major upgrade over older lead and shellac alternatives.

In 1955, a Seamaster was taken to a record depth of 62,5 meters by diver Gordon McLean, off the coast of Australia. Note that this is still before it took on the archetypal form-factor of a dive watch in 1957, with Ref. CK2913. Since then, models with and without divetime bezels have co-existed within the Omega Seamaster collection.

1950’s And 1960’s non-divetime-bezel Seamasters offer amazing value within today’s vintage market. Despite their modest diameter, they tend to have great wrist presence due to sporty, beefy cases. Countless variations exist, from rare curtain-dial double-signed Seamasters to fancy lugs and cross-hair dials. Great finishing and quality movements ensure these are still awesome everyday watches today. Since they were produced in relatively large numbers, a good example does not break the bank like some technically and historically lesser watches do.

The vintage diving Seamasters, such as the Ref. CK2913, Milspec Seamaster 300 or the famous PloProf, have become highly sought-after and collectible.

It is impossible to write about the Omega Seamaster without mentioning James Bond. When Pierce Brosnan took on the role of British super spy in 1995’s Goldeneye, a tricked-out quartz Seamaster diver was on his wrist. Different Seamasters have featured in all Bond-franchise films since. There was even a sly dig at Omega’s biggest rivals in Casino Royale when a James Bond/Vesper Lynd conversation went: “Rolex?” “Omega.” “Beautiful!”  Oh snap!

The Omega Seamaster collection has everything you could want from a watch. The history, the significance, the quality and the sheer variety. From simpler versions that present massive value, to highly collectible and extremely rare examples. A cool, understated look with an adventurous undertone. We love them!

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.