Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

Omega have always made a handsome dial and here they definitely don't disappoint. Barely visible in the photographs is a gloss finish which begins just around the minute track, while the majority of the dial is matte black. The change in finish frames the dial beautifully with a two-tone design rarely seen from Omega. A set of perfectly restored pink gilt dauphine hands are the perfect fit for a dial of this size, their wide profile leaves no space feeling unused. Surrounding the dial are pencil hour indices, matching in pink gilt, except for at '6', where we find a simple 'Calatrava' influenced subsidiary seconds dial. Lining the dials outer perimeter are pink gilt minute markers which have been painted on, creating a smooth uninterrupted surface between each of the hour indices, as not to make the dial appear too 'busy'. This expertly refurbished vintage dial is signed 'Omega' below its pink gilt logo with 'Swiss Made' either side of '6'. This dial has been professionally restored and does not have a single mark on it.

The Case

Dress watch design in the 1950s was very different to what we see from manufactures today. A large part of the recent boom in the vintage watch market is simply because they don’t make ‘em like they used to. A simple browse of this year’s product line from Rolex, Hublot, Audemars Piguet, and other market leading watch houses, shows a surge in porthole cases with exposed industrial screwheads, skeleton dials with a tourbillon and other neo-mechanical steampunk features. Appreciation for balance and simplicity has remained a strong pull-factor toward the luxury watches of Switzerland from the mid-20^th Century, it’s probably why someone would read this entire listing in the first place. However, there is one feature of modern watch fashion that many struggle to leave behind. Size… it absolutely counts.

At the time of production of this particular watch, 1953, the common practice among case designers was to produce a case of 33mm in diameter, excluding the lugs and crown. This was simply what the market demanded, and the case makers followed suit, only really producing larger cases out of necessity for larger, more complex movements, or if a large amount of shock protection was required. So, for Omega to even dream of the reference 2609, a stainless-steel dress watch case measuring 38mm in diameter with smooth tapered lugs, in 1953 was a curveball to say the least. Today however, the stars seem to have aligned, providing us with an immaculate Omega dress watch with a modern profile and lush vintage styling.

The case is of three-piece construction, with a press-fit bezel and case-back, both of which are removed and attached with a reassuring pop, indicating fine craftsmanship and proper care throughout its life. The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Stainless Steel’, with ‘Swiss Made’ below the Omega Watch Co triangle. The case reference number 2609 2 is below.

The Movement

Housed in this very rare watch case is the Swiss-made Omega Calibre 266, 17 jewel, manual wind movement with antimagnetic features. As can be seen from the photograph, this cal.266 is in about as good a condition as you will ever see one in. Combined with the flawless condition of the dial and case, we have here a vintage Omega mechanical watch in pretty much ‘as new’ condition. As expected, the movement performs superbly and there is simply nothing else to report on its condition, flawless…

The movement is signed ‘Omega, Swiss, 17 Jewels’ as well as the calibre number 266 and the movement serial number 13979469 which dates this watch to 1953.

Strap & Buckle

This watch has been fitted with a brand new black genuine alligator strap and matching stainless-steel buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit a 16mm strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense.

Conclusion

I'm a private seller, not a company so unfortunately returns aren't an option, unless of course the watch is broken or not as described when it arrives. I may ship 1-2 days after I receive payment, as I work full-time, and may not find time to get the package away immediately.

Feel free to ask any questions.

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