Here we have a petite and very classic ladies Omega wristwatch from 1954, housed in a solid 18k / 18ct yellow gold case and fitted to a brown leather strap with its original Omega buckle. It also comes with its Omega presentation box, which is always a lovely thing to have with a vintage ladies piece, especially one this original.
The watch has a beautifully understated mid-century look. It is not trying to be showy or oversized; it is refined, elegant and very much of its period. The small round case, slim lugs and warm gold tone give it that traditional jewellery-watch feel, but with the added charm of being a proper mechanical Omega.
The dial is particularly sweet. It has a soft silvered / champagne tone, with a lovely mix of applied gold hour markers. At 12 o’clock there is a raised Arabic numeral, while the rest of the dial uses a combination of small polished dot markers, faceted markers and arrow-style markers, giving far more detail than first meets the eye. The 6 o’clock marker is especially attractive, with its little pointed arrow shape balancing the Arabic 12 above. The gold hands are elegant and simple, and the applied Omega symbol and printed Omega text sit neatly below 12.
It is a very honest-looking watch, with the sort of light age and character you would hope to see on an original 1950s ladies Omega. These small details are what make vintage ladies watches interesting: the dial furniture, the gold case, the original buckle, the box and the fact that it has survived as a complete, wearable little piece rather than being broken up or forgotten.
Extra Points
Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space.
This watch has been fully serviced in our on-site workshop and comes with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is a lovely example of why small ladies vintage watches should not be dismissed. It has all the right ingredients: solid 18k gold case, original dial, original Omega buckle, Omega box and a proper manual-wind movement.
It is not a modern oversized watch, and it is not meant to be. It is delicate, refined and very elegant on the wrist. It would look superb worn with a simple dress, evening wear, a white shirt, knitwear, or even stacked lightly with gold jewellery. It has that quiet 1950s glamour that works best when it is not trying too hard.
The dial is the real joy for me. The mix of gold dots, faceted markers, the Arabic 12 and the little arrow-style marker at 6 o’clock gives it real personality. It would have been very easy for Omega to make this dial plain, but instead there are these small design details that reward a closer look.
Solid 18k gold ladies Omega watches in all-original condition are not easy to find now. Many have been over-polished, had dials refinished, lost their buckles, lost their boxes, or sadly been scrapped for the gold value. This one still has the feel of a proper period piece and would make a wonderful first vintage Omega, a thoughtful gift, or a charming occasional dress watch.
Spec Stuff
Model : 11409444 / 2683
Serial : 145****
Movement : cal 244
Age :1951/1955
Specific Age : Serial - 1954 Case Size : 19.5mm Case Thickness : 8mm Lug to Lug : 26.5mm Lugs : 10mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Omega Box & Buckle Case Material : 18ct Gold Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1954 Omega Petite & classic ladies dress watch in solid 18ct Gold with Omega box + buckle
