Extremely Rare Vintage 1950’s 18K Omega Seamaster Olympic XVI, Cal 471, OT 2850
Posted on January 8, 2020 | By admin
V I N T A G E R A R E O M. O M E G A A U T O M A T I C S E A M A S T E R C A L E N D A R. V I N T A G E 1 9 5 0′ s 1 8 K O M E G A S E A M A S T E R M E L B O U R N E O L Y M P I C X V I. Made for the 16h Olympic Games – Case Reference. OT 2850 – C al. 18K Solid Gold Case w/ Faceted Dog-Leg Lugs – Original Signed and Hallmarked Case Back w/ Medal Relief of the Olympic Crest – Olympic Cross of Merit Chinese Lacquer Dial w/Applied Faceted Indexes. VINTAGE 1950’s 18K OMEGA SEAMASTER MELBOURNE OLYMPIC XVI. One of the key points that I often mention when asked for my opinion on the most effective strategy of building up any collection of vintage wristwatches for investment is the deliberate sourcing of rare pieces that are in some way different from others that are ostensibly of the same type. In the context of high grade antique watches, and indeed any collectible commodity, rarity almost always equates with value, and by further refining a category of watch that is already sought after, some remarkable pieces can be obtained that will appreciate in value at a far faster rate than their more typical siblings. These differences do not have to be major by any means, and can take the form of, for example, hands that are not normally seen on the model considered, an unusual movement variant, a rare dial layout; the list is endless. As long as the watch is absolutely original, and left the factory in the form in which it is presently in, if it has any feature that differentiates it from others of its type from the same period, then it is well worth considering. This is an expensive watch , but for reasons detailed below, is one of a very small number of its type , and just the kind of item that the investor should be looking for. In a physical specialist horological sale, this watch would stand out considerably on account of it being a genuine rarity that many collectors would not have previously encountered. While this piece will be perhaps twice or three times the price of a typical watch from the same period, being very unusual and a watch that is highly desirable to the serious Omega connoisseur, it will unquestionably show a more impressive financial return in the future that the equivalent monetary value invested in the more commonly found models. The Seamaster XVI was manufactured to commemorate the Melbourne Olympic Games. It is one of the most collectable commemorative watches ever issued by Omega. It was the first Olympic design issued by Omega after being awarded the Olympic Cross Award for timekeeping by the Olympic committee at the 1951 Helsinki Olympic Games. Only a few hundred of these watches were produced making it one of the rarest watches ever issued by Omega. The dial formats (3) included an 18K solid gold dial with 1956 dated roman numerals, an enamel dial with 1956 in roman numerals; and the very rare Olympic cross dial which is seldom offered. It should be noted that there were two versions of this dial, with the multi-colored version being more uncommon and subsequently more sought after. Olympic Cross of Merit Chinese Lacquer. Cream dial is in a state that is rare and consequently highly desirable, and the knowledgeable enthusiast will never find a better example for investment. By allying this rare lacquer dial with raised gold faceted markers, and then complimenting these with gold. Dauphine shaped hands, Omega created one of the most attractive looking dials of any of their post-war models. The final touch to this exquisite dial is certainly the use of the t. Hick faceted baguette markers in 18k yellow gold. Each one requiring to be fitted by hand. Drop downturned dog-leg lugs. With only the very slightest few imperfections that are to be expected on any carefully used vintage timepiece. These are not of any real consequence and certainly do not affect the value of the watch, but I mention them in the interests of being accurate in my descriptions. Further making this watch a rarity’ is the. Signed original decagonal crown. Exactly as it should be on an example of this model. The medal relief of the Olympic crest. Decoration on the case back remains crisp and is in excellent condition. Internally, the snap-down case back is fully signed OMEGA WATCH Co”, “FAB SUISSE, SWISS MADE”, “0.750” “162310” “2580 S. When the case back is removed, the superb Omega Calibre 471 automatic movement, entirely original to this watch, can be studied in detail. This movement is fully signed OMEGA WATCH Co, SWISS, TWENTY 20 JEWELS. The movement in this particular watch is in excellent condition with the serial number 14740435 , clearly indicating the piece to be of 1954 manufacture. These movements had a well-deserved reputation for accuracy and extreme reliability. This particular watch has been regularly serviced and is in perfect running order. It should be noted the agai. N the unique decagonal winding crown is original and signed with a large Omega emblem. The decagonal winding crown was standard for all Seamaster Olympic models. Details that may be overlooked by novice buyers, for example winding crowns and hands, are so important in defining the desirability of vintage models and small changes to correct specification will have large negative ramifications to value. Every last aspect of this watch is as it should be, and even the most critical enthusiast will find nothing here that is not up to the highest possible standard. One of the rarest and least seldom seen Omega accessory pieces namely, the 1956 Melbourne Olympic box with Olympic seal in enamel on the leather front lid cover. I have hardly ever seen this box come up for sale in all my years of collecting. This box is an absolute rarity. The box is in excellent condition for its age, and completely original in all aspects. Dimension: 14.5cm x 9cm x 4.2cm. Finally, the watch is fitted with a vintage Omega New Old Stock brown leather band. I would certainly state that, because of its elegant. Olympic Cross of Merit Chinese Lacquer factory cream dial. Hand-riveted gold hour markers and gold hands. This is an extremely attractive vintage Omega Seamaster Olympic. In summary, this is a breathtakingly beautiful package that will delight even the most experienced Omega connoisseur. At this level, this item is very much an expensive collectors watch that will be bought with a view to long term investment. The combination of the case style, stunning cream dial and the Omega rotor automatic Calibre 471 movement would certainly ensure that this piece would take pride of place in any serious classic Omega watch collection. Country of manufacture: Switzerland. Year of manufacturing: 1954. Type of watch: Automatic. Case type: Water resistant two-piece, snap-down sealed back. Case material (top): 18K solid gold. Case material (back): 18K solid gold. Band type: NOS Omega Vintage Leather Band. Box and Paperwork: Includes box. F E A T U R E S. Gents OMEGA Seamaster XVI with a 20 Jewel AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT. Dial, raised applied hand-riveted gold hour markers, gold hands and sweep seconds, signed 20 jewel movement, signed dial, crystal, crown, movement and inside case back. The movement has been completely serviced and keeps excellent time. 18K solid gold case in excellent condition. Case, ORIGINAL CRYSTAL & CROWN WITH OMEGA STAMPED LOGO. High Grade Omega Automatic Caliber 471 movement, has just been cleaned and overhauled. Runs strong and keeps accurate time. COMMENTS: Omega signed on the dial, crystal, crown, movement and inside case back. P A Y M E N T A C C E P T E D. R E T U R N S. As ever this is guaranteed as represented – we do NOT sell fake or Franken watches. We pride ourselves on accurate pictures and descriptions and our feedbacks often include phrases like better than expected or better than described. The item “Extremely Rare Vintage 1950’s 18K Omega Seamaster Olympic XVI, Cal 471, OT 2850″ is in sale since Thursday, December 19, 2019. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Wristwatches”. The seller is “rshroff” and is located in Waipahu. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Gender: Men’s
- Model: Omega Seamaster XVI
- Modified Item: No
- Watch Shape: Oval
- Case Color: 18K Yellow Gold
- Case Material: 18K SOLID GOLD
- Movement: Automatic (Self-Winding)
- With Original Packaging: Yes
- Year of Manufacture: 1950-1959
- Band Color: NOS Vintage Omega Brown Band
- Lug Width: 34 mm
- Brand: OMEGA
- Case Size: 34 mm
- Face Color: Olympic Cross of Merit Chinese Lacquer Dial
- Number of Jewels: 20 Jewels
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
- Style: Art Deco
- Caseback: Snap
- Dial Style: 12-Hour Dial
- Band Material: Leather
- Features: ORIGNAL OMEGA ACRYLIC CRYSTAL
- Band Type: Buckle Band
- Original Packaging Description: With Box
- Metal Purity: 18k
- Serial Number: 14740435