Seamaster 1952

This watch was bought in a market of private individuals in antibes, during the summer 2003.

The beautiful one was in a plastic bag which contained several watches including two other Omega, I bought the whole for some euros! As much to say that it was a good day for me, collector  of vintage and of Omega which more is!

The shape of the box, is typical first Seamaster. The broad and massive horns inspire confidence, and there is no doubt that this robust aspect had to contribute to success of this watch in the Fifties.

The dial in is very good state, it has gold indices applied and them hands, out of gold also, are of dauphine type.

The dial seems to have two tone different according to its exposure to the light. In fact painting changes color, undoubtedly thanks to a brushing or an application particular to manufacture. In short, the result is more beautiful effect !.

Last detail, an inscription mentions that the watch passed the tests of chronometer, which is rather not very current for Seamaster of this time.

The back  is screwed, and has a pretty polished surface with SEAMASTER engraved on the edge. It should be noted that the notches to unscrew the bottom are free from stripes, proof that the watch did not pass with hand in hand before arriving at home.

In fact the person who selled the batch to me quite simply sold some watches having belonged to a member of her family.

The crown, signed Omega, is characteristic of Seamaster of the time with only four grooves on its circumference. Omega started to put crowns signed at the end of the forties. I believe that the very first one to have this characteristic is the Omega Centenary of 1948.

The interior of the back comprises the signature, the nature of metal employed, and the reference of the watch. This frame of reference dates from the Forties. Before, the back of the watch was simply equipped with a number (different from that of the movement).

The automatic movement is with bumpers, i.e. that the oscillating mass being used for the winding does not make a full rotation: Two nonvisible springs deaden the shocks when the mass is in end of race. The completion is gilded pink with brushed surfaces and polished cut sides. The movement part comprises 15 jewels, plus two rubies for the pivots of the oscillating mass.

Last characteristic, the beam is equipped with a system of precision adjustment with an eccentric screw and, as it should be on chronometer, the body of oscillating mass mentions that the watch was adjusted in 5 positions and temperatures.

With final, this watch can be still carried today without back thought, thanks to its robust design and its good sealing. With the wrist, one can sometimes smell small shocks, after an abrupt movement for example, the watch vibrates slightly.

This amusing characteristic, recalls that this small object lives thanks to the movements of our wrist and it becomes about it only more still attaching.

It is not really a rare watch, but its exceptional state of conservation makes it a beautiful collector's item...