Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step back into the golden era of mid-century watchmaking with this captivating vintage Omega Seamaster. Renowned for its robust build and timeless elegance, the Seamaster line has long been a cornerstone of Omega’s heritage. This particular example, a reference 2996-1, perfectly captures the charm of a bygone era with a beautifully aged dial and a reliable manual-wind caliber. It represents a wonderful opportunity for collectors seeking a timepiece with authentic character and undeniable historical pedigree. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 2996-1 Serial Number: 17524785 Movement: Manual winding, Omega Caliber 285, 17 Jewels Dial: Creamy off-white dial featuring a heavy, even stardust patina with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (40 microns) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: Circa 1960 Condition: Good vintage condition, showing honest wear and a highly patinated dial. The movement has been professionally serviced and presents in healthy and strong condition. Dial and Hands The dial of this Seamaster is a striking testament to its vintage journey, presenting a creamy off-white base that has developed a dense, even stardust patina over the decades. This organic speckling covers the surface entirely, giving the watch a unique, highly characterful appearance without compromising the legibility of the crisp black printed "OMEGA" and elegant "Seamaster" script. The applied gold-tone faceted baton indices add a touch of mid-century refinement, catching the light beautifully alongside the applied Omega logo at twelve o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands exhibit age-consistent oxidation and surface wear, perfectly matching the overall aesthetic of the dial. The "SWISS MADE" designation remains clearly visible at the six o'clock position, completing this deeply patinated and visually fascinating face. Case and Crystal The 35mm case features a classic profile with robust, gently sweeping lugs. Constructed with a heavy 40-micron gold plating over a base metal, the case shows honest signs of its age and history. The visual inspection reveals wear along the sharp edges of the lugs and the bezel, where the base metal is beginning to peek through, alongside typical surface scratches consistent with decades of use. The scalloped Omega-signed crown is present and shows corresponding plating wear. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is stamped "WATERPROOF" on the exterior, while the interior is fully hallmarked with the Omega insignia, reference number 2996-1, and plating specifications. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Omega Caliber 285, a robust manual-winding movement renowned for its reliability and precision. The 17-jewel mechanism is beautifully finished in Omega's signature copper-tone plating, which remains exceptionally clean and bright as seen in the detailed photographs. The movement bears the serial number 17524785, dating the watch to approximately 1960. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the movement records an impressive -8 to -10 seconds per day on the timegrapher with strong amplitude. The movement has been professionally serviced and presents in healthy and strong condition. Strap The watch is paired with a vintage-style dark brown leather strap, featuring a distinctive textured finish. It is beautifully accented with thick, contrasting yellow-gold stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial furniture. The strap is secured with a standard gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Omega Seamaster is presented in good vintage condition. The dial showcases a heavy but highly attractive stardust patina that collectors of honest vintage pieces often desire. The case retains its structural integrity but displays noticeable wear, particularly on the lug edges and bezel where the gold plating has worn away to reveal the metal underneath. The crown also shows signs of handling and plating loss. The movement remains in outstanding aesthetic and mechanical condition, running with exceptional precision for its age. Dimensions The case measures a classic 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a versatile and elegant presence on the wrist that stays true to its mid-century origins. Remarks This reference 2996-1 is a superb example of how a vintage watch can age gracefully, developing an entirely unique visual signature. The combination of the heavily patinated stardust dial, the honest wear of the gold-plated case, and the incredibly strong performance of the Caliber 285 movement makes this a compelling acquisition for those who appreciate watches with a story to tell. History Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, the Seamaster was initially modeled after the robust, waterproof watches supplied to the British military during World War II. It quickly became a symbol of durability and elegance, bridging the gap between a rugged sports watch and a refined dress piece. The models from the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly those housing the revered 30mm manual-wind calibers like the 285 found in this example, are celebrated for their exceptional build quality and timeless design. They represent a pinnacle of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, enduring as highly sought-after staples in the vintage collecting community. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OSX-0065