Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

This all-original stainless-steel Omega Seamaster carries its original ivory cream dial which has tastefully yellowed with age. This yellowing effect commonly appears on ivory-cream vintage watch dials because of exposure particulates in the air, UV reacting with the paint, exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants in the modern world, across a 50 year lifetime resulting in an 'aged' watch dial.

The pencil hour indices and dauphine hands are fashioned from solid gold or 'gilt' in this context. The original dauphine hands have become pitted and show their age a little more than the rest of the watch. This is far more obvious in our well-lit, high-resolution photographs than in person, however, if the customer requests a new set of hands, we can replace the originals before shipping the watch.

The Case

The Ref.2990 is famously known as the 'Ranchero' case. Around the same brief time of production of the Ranchero, a few Seamasters were produced in these oversized Ranchero cases. At 36.5mm in diameter these were some of the largest Seamasters produced at the time and even today they remain highly sought after as 'oversized' vintage watches.

This original stainless steel crown feels tough and tactile to use. The teeth remain sharp and the Omega signature is clear and pronounced.

The press-fit case-back uses a deep sloped ring to achieve a waterproof design without a screw-back design and rubber gasket. This means a large amount of controlled force with a case-knife is required to lever the case-back from the watch. The case-back interior is inscribed with 'Acier Inoxyddable', translating to Stainless Steel, as well as the 'Omega Watch Co' triangle, 'Swiss Made' and the model reference numbers 2990-1 SC and 2996. The case-back exterior carries some minor pitting which is completely forgotten about once the watch is being worn.

Although this watch was initially specified as 'Waterproof' this has not been tested recently and we advise you to keep your vintage watches clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

This watch uses the Omega Swiss-made Calibre 284. It is a manual wind 17 jewel mechanical movement from a company who were at the top of their game and leading in the global market of wristwatches. As can be seen from the photographs the movement is freshly serviced and I can report that the watch runs excellently. The watch winds and sets with very little play in the drive train making the watch feel responsive and tactile to use. Inscribed on the movement is ‘Omega, Swiss', 17 Jewels’ as well as the calibre number 284 and the movement serial number 16845439 which dates this watch to 1959.

Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a black leather strap and gold plated buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit an 18mm strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense.

Conclusion

The watch is sold as-is. The watch will take a next day tracked and insured delivery service for the UK, and a 3-5 day service for customers abroad.

Please do get in touch with a member of our team with any questions. We are always happy to talk shop and negotiate a price that everyone's comfortable with.