The Seamaster model line has long been favorite among Omega collectors and for good reason. It was Omega's go anywhere do anything watch. With the moto of "For town, sea or country" the Seamaster was built to be extremely versatile. Designed with "waterproof" case to withstand the trials and tribulations of labor while also having a case refined enough to be dressed up for an evening out.
This particular watch is a Seamaster Calendar giving nod to the fact that this model variation features a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The case houses the caliber 503 which was Omegas first attempt at a "quick set" date function. How it would work was you would advance the hour past midnight to 1am, go back to 11pm and proceed to pass midnight to continue to cycle the date module.
This Seamaster Calendar is a reference 2849. It is a very cool example of 2849 for a number of reasons 1) Its dial. It sports a silvered honeycomb dial that has aged beautifully to take on some warmer tones. Additionally it has a crosshair configuration - an attribute most Omega collectors love. 2) It features a NAIAD crown. This crown was a prototype. The way it would work is the seal would tighten commensurate with the depth of water of which the wearer was subjecting the watch too. It was quickly discontinued as Omega found out that while this system provided an adequate seal at increasing depths it actually did not seal correctly at shallow depths. Being quickly discontinued makes this crown rare by Omegas standards. 3) It is paired with a period correct yellow gold plated Omega buckle. 4) The caseback features a seamonster hippocampus. This reference specifically came with 3 different case backs. The plain, brushed back finish was by far the most common of the 3 followed by the small hippocampus such as this one. Having the seamonster medallion on the watch really completes the watch in our opinion and is a worthy consideration for any Omega collector.
ABOUT THIS WATCH
MANUFACTURER: Omega
MODEL: Seamaster Calendar
REFERENCE: 2849
SERIAL: 14xxxxxx
YEAR: 1955
CASE: The gold capped over stainless steel 34mm case is in fair shape. The case has been polished in the past. The crown is a rare variant- a NAIAD crown, and is original to the watch. The crystal was replaced sometime in the past. The case is completed by the very desirable, small Seamonster hippocampus caseback.
DIAL: A silver honeycomb dial. The honeycomb dial also features a crosshair configuration which most Omega collectors absolutely love. The dial has patinated overtime to take on a warmer hue and has pretty even aging throughout. It features alternating Arabic and dagger style hour indices. The lume on the dial has aged over time and matches the dagger minute/hour hand perfectly.
MOVEMENT: Omega automatic bumper caliber 503. Service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets, and runs. The watch was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that it is keeping time within 10 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 302. The watch can be serviced for $325 plus parts (if necessary). If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty.
BRACELET: This vintage Omega Seamaster Calendar comes on the pictured strap.
ACCESSORIES: An original, period correct buckle.
BOX/PAPERS: No.
WARRANTY: None unless serviced prior. If the watch is serviced it will come with a one year warranty.
BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $1,315 shipped.
