Omega - Seamaster - 14779-61 SC - Men - 1961

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

The Omega Seamaster is a cornerstone of vintage horology, representing an era when mechanical reliability was seamlessly paired with sophisticated, everyday elegance. Emerging in the mid-twentieth century, the Seamaster line quickly became renowned for its robust construction and refined aesthetics. This particular example from the early 1960s perfectly captures that golden age of watchmaking. Housing the highly regarded Caliber 552 automatic movement and featuring a beautifully preserved dial, this timepiece offers collectors a chance to acquire a quintessential vintage dress watch that remains as stylish and dependable today as it was over six decades ago.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 14779-61 SC
Serial Number: 18823549
Movement: Omega Caliber 552, Automatic, 24 Jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean with age-consistent patina on the hands
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-capped over stainless steel
Production Year: 1961
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an outstandingly preserved dial

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Seamaster is a testament to careful preservation, featuring a striking silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The surface remains exceptionally clean, free from significant spotting, moisture marks, or discoloration, presenting a highly attractive and even appearance. It is adorned with applied gold-tone faceted baton indices that provide excellent depth and contrast. The typography is crisp and intact, with the applied gold-tone Omega logo sitting proudly above the printed sans-serif "OMEGA AUTOMATIC" text, while the elegant "Seamaster" script graces the lower half, anchored by the "SWISS MADE" designation at the bottom edge. The classic gold-tone dauphine hands display a distinct, age-consistent oxidation and patina, particularly along their centers and edges, adding an authentic vintage character to the otherwise remarkably fresh dial.

Case and Crystal
The 35mm case features a thick gold-capped finish over a robust stainless steel core, showcasing the classic, slightly beefy lug profile characteristic of early 1960s Seamasters. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with surface scratches and a gentle softening of the lug chamfers consistent with normal use over the decades, yet it retains a strong overall geometry. The smooth bezel shows minor wear along its edges, blending naturally with the vintage aesthetic. The watch is fitted with a signed scalloped Omega crown that remains well-defined. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering a warm, period-correct optical distortion at the edges. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback, centered by the iconic raised Hippocampus medallion, which remains sharp and clearly defined.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the legendary Omega Caliber 552, a 24-jewel automatic movement renowned for its durability and precision. The movement displays Omega's signature copper-toned plating, which remains visually bright and clean, showing normal, light signs of age on the rotor. The serial number 18823549 is clearly stamped, dating the production of this watch to approximately 1961, perfectly aligning with the inner caseback stamping. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate +25 to +28 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is paired with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian pattern. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that complements the gold-capped case beautifully, offering a comfortable and highly traditional dress watch presentation.

Condition
This Seamaster is presented in good vintage condition, offering a wonderful balance of honest exterior wear and excellent dial preservation. The gold-capped case shows expected surface marks and slight softening typical of its age, without detracting from its handsome profile. The silver sunburst dial is the standout feature, remaining incredibly clean and vibrant, while the oxidized dauphine hands provide a clear testament to the watch's authentic vintage journey. The caseback medallion is crisp, and the movement is visually clean and operational.

Dimensions
The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The proportions are classically restrained, allowing the watch to slip easily under a tailored cuff while maintaining a confident presence on the wrist.

Remarks
This early 1960s Omega Seamaster is a splendid example of mid-century Swiss design. The combination of a pristine silver sunburst dial, a warm gold-capped case, and the esteemed Caliber 552 movement makes this a highly desirable piece for both seasoned Omega enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile, historically significant vintage dress watch.

History
Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, the Seamaster was originally designed as a robust, water-resistant timepiece built upon the brand's military watch expertise from World War II. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the collection had evolved to include highly elegant, dress-oriented models that did not sacrifice everyday reliability. These mid-century Seamasters, particularly those housing the 500-series calibers, are widely celebrated for their exceptional build quality and timeless styling, securing their place as fundamental pillars in the history of vintage horology.

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-OSA-0005