We have here a stunning and all-original Omega Seamaster 14730 from 1959. This model of watch is one of the first of the 14### series and was produced just before Omega introduced the De Ville range. What we particularly love about this watch is that you can see the characteristics of the De Ville in its design.
The off-white dial has some patina to it, giving no doubt to its originality. The dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic' with the famous Omega logo at 12 o'clock and 'Seamaster' at 6 o'clock. The date function sits at 3 o'clock. The dial also has crosshair markers and very interesting and unusual, Deco-style, gilt, Arabic numerals, with a mix of gilt stick markers.
The 34mm, stainless steel, monocoque/front-loading case was one of the first of this design. It has a gold bezel as well as gold-capped lugs. The case is fully-signed and has the Seasmaster hippocampus logo on the case back. Inside is the automatic Omega caliber 562, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a brown leather strap but it looks great dressed up on black too.
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. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
A Seamaster is a must have for any collection and this particular example is one of the nicest of this early model we've seen in a long time! It is a great fit for both men and women, and for first-time buyers or the seasoned collector.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1745****
Reference : 14730
Movement : Cal. 562, 24 Jewels Age :1951/1959 Specific Age :1959 Case Size : 34mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug : Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1959 Omega Seamaster Automatic Date Model 14730 in Stainless Steel and Gold Pre De Ville
