Omega - Seamaster - 2849-5 SC - Men - 1958

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

The Omega Seamaster is an absolute cornerstone of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, originally introduced in 1948 to celebrate the brand's centenary. Born from the robust, water-resistant watches Omega supplied to the British military during World War II, the Seamaster line quickly evolved into a symbol of refined durability. This particular example perfectly encapsulates that golden era of Omega design, combining elegant dress-watch aesthetics with the sturdy engineering that made the Seamaster a legend. Featuring a classic gold-capped case, a beautifully aged dial, and a robust automatic movement, this timepiece is a wonderful representation of why vintage Omegas remain so highly sought after by collectors today.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 2849-5 SC
Serial Number: 16966416
Movement: Caliber 503
Dial: Creamy off-white dial with applied gold indices, showing distinct age-related spotting and patina
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-capped over stainless steel
Production Year: 1958
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive, characterful patina

Dial and Hands
The dial presents a classic, creamy off-white base that has developed a distinct, even speckling of patina throughout, giving it a true vintage character. The applied gold faceted indices provide a sharp contrast against the dial, catching the light beautifully. The classic Omega logo is applied at twelve o'clock, with "OMEGA AUTOMATIC" printed crisply below it in black serif and sans-serif type. The elegant "Seamaster" script is positioned in the lower half. A framed date window sits at three o'clock. Notably, there is localized wear and discoloration visible around the date window and the edge of the dial near the three and four o'clock positions. The gold dauphine hands exhibit natural oxidation and aging consistent with the rest of the dial, completing the authentic mid-century aesthetic.

Case and Crystal
The 34mm case features a thick gold-cap over stainless steel, a popular and durable method used by Omega during this era. The case retains strong lines with thick, substantial lugs that show expected signs of wear, including surface scratches and some minor softening of the edges, consistent with its age and use. The gold-capped bezel remains well-defined. The watch is fitted with an Omega-signed, scalloped crown. The stainless steel screw-down caseback features the iconic Seamaster hippocampus medallion deeply engraved in the center, surrounded by the word "WATERPROOF." The crystal is clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial.

Movement
Powering this Seamaster is the Omega Caliber 503, a robust 20-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability. The copper-toned movement is visually striking and clearly displays the Omega branding, caliber number, and the serial number 16966416, dating it to 1958. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor and bridges showing appropriate vintage condition. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of -5 to -8 seconds per day with strong amplitude.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a two-tone beads-of-rice style bracelet. The bracelet features an Omega-signed clasp. The gold-plated center beads show significant wear and fading to the plating, revealing the steel beneath in many areas, which is typical for bracelets of this vintage and construction. The clasp exhibits surface scratches from regular use. Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 18 cm in circumference.

Condition
This Omega Seamaster is in good vintage condition, showcasing honest wear and a dial full of character. The gold-capped case shows typical surface scratches but retains good overall shape. The dial's patina and spotting are prominent, with specific wear noted near the date window. The movement is running exceptionally well based on the provided timegrapher data.

Dimensions
Case Width: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 18 cm in circumference.

Remarks
This Omega Seamaster is a charming example of mid-century design, offering the perfect blend of dressy elegance and everyday wearability. The pronounced patina on the dial will appeal to collectors who appreciate a watch that wears its history openly.

History
The Omega Seamaster was launched in 1948, coinciding with the brand's 100th anniversary. It was designed to be a robust, elegant watch for active individuals, drawing inspiration from the waterproof watches Omega produced for the military. The Seamaster quickly became one of Omega's most successful and enduring lines, evolving over the decades into various specialized models, including professional dive watches. However, the early, dressier Seamasters like this one remain beloved for their timeless design, reliable in-house movements, and the enduring legacy of the Seamaster name.

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-OAS-0006