A WEEK ON THE WRIST – VINTAGE OMEGA SEAMASTER

Omega’s Seamaster has been a staple of the brand since its inception in 1948, with this iteration being a 14k gold capped, 35mm automatic from 1955/56. These earlier incarnations of the Seamaster are a distant relative to Omega’s 300m professional dive watches of today, featuring simple dials and classic case design. Seamasters of this era can be found in a number of variations regarding dials, movements and metals. With seemingly endless versions of this watch, the reference 2767-3 I had the pleasure of wearing is arguably the most faithful reference to the original, denoted by its time only display with arabic numberals at 12, 3, 6 and 9.

Going from watches between 39 and 42mm, 35 is quite a change. While the case diameter may deter a lot of enthusiasts, those with slimmer wrists such as myself will find the size rather natural after having the watch on the wrist for short period of time. The svelte case is a reminder of how wristwatches were sized in the 50’s, exuding the vintage feel one searches for in a watch of this period.

The silver convex dial provides an excellent canvas for the gold applied indices, logo and hands to complete a supremely classic aesthetic. That’s the adjective that comes to mind when describing this watch. It’s just so classic. It has to be in order look as good today as it did in 1955. The symmetrical execution of the dial is gorgeous, with the font used to scribe “Omega” and “Seamaster” completing aesthetic.

For a watch approaching 65 years old, it’s incredible to think this timepiece has surpassed the test of time regarding design and function. The 2767-3 keeps great time and while I don’t wear mechanical watches for accuracy, it was surprising a watch of this age continues to be precise. A testament to the Cal. 354 bumper movement. A caveat of vintage watches can be the expensive maintenance or repair costs, so to have an example with a recent service and reliable movement results in a stress free wearing experience.

The case of this Seamaster remains sharp with the original dial and hands taking on a lovely patina. While other watches may fetch lofty sums at auction for what is a fine line between patina and damage, this is a clean and charming example of how a timepiece can evolve over its lifetime. The silver dial has grown warmer in tone, the hands and indices oxidising with time and the case retaining its yellow gold complexion with hints of darkened areas on the lugs, a characteristic common to 14k gold alloys.

This Omega Seamaster feels like a step back in time every time you wear it. The vintage phenomenon is ripe in the watch industry and with designs such as these created in the 1950’s, it’s no wonder Omega looked to their past to release an anniversary edition of the Seamaster for its 70th birthday. While modern watches may be more technically advanced, enthusiasts like to choose timepieces for their emotional value. A modern watch can’t replicate the genuine effect of time on a watch, no matter how much fauxtina is thrown at a dial.

With vintage watches currently at the peak of their powers, this Omega Seamaster has provided excellent insight as to why enthusiasts are so drawn to timepieces of decades gone by. There is an abundance of charm and character in wearing a vintage watch. Knowing that the example on your wrist has aged in a way unlike any other, giving you the feeling of owning a piece unique timepiece. While enthusiasts may fawn at obscure and rare vintage pieces offered by the most prestigious auction houses, this humble Seamaster offers so much of the fun at a fraction of the price.

If you are like me and haven’t yet forayed into vintage watches, Omega’s of this era are one of the easiest places to start. With so many variations on offer for just over $1000 AUD, do your research and I am adamant you can find an vintage Omega you will love! Suprisingly, wearing this Seamaster has grown my appreciation for both vintage and modern watches. It much easier to understand just how far watchmaking has come, by experiencing the original.

Thank you to Jean-Paul (@jp_melbs) for loaning me this special watch, it has been so enjoyable to wear something new, which happens to be very old.