We have here a classic and immaculate Omega manual wind dress watch from 1949. The stunning, original dial has elegant, gilt baton gold bar type markers at 3 and 9 o'clock, with double markers at 12. Then printed, gentle, black numerals. A rare dial in our opinion and one that is not often found - especially in this condition! The gilt, alpha hour and minute hands sit nicely in the centre of the watch. Paired with the subsidiary seconds, the dial gives timeless, perfect symmetry and the subtlety that you want from a dress watch. Do take time to view and zoom in all the dial images as its truly amazing how well it has been preserved over 74 years. A stunning beauty.
The 9ct yellow gold, English-made, three-piece case measures 33.5mm and is a comfortable and elegant wear for both males and females. The case was manufactured by Dennison in England and is hallmarked - Birmingham 'Z' and is, again, in the same fantastic condition. This is an early Omega dress watch and wouldn't have been issued with a model name or number. We've teamed this beauty up with a brown tan leather strap, which can be easily changed. Housed inside the case is the ever-reliable, mechanical manual wind Omega caliber 260, which is fully jewelled and has been serviced by us in our onsite workshop and is running strongly. Even better, the watch comes with its original, flip-down, rectangular case!
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. 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
If you're looking for an affordable, solid gold Omega in like-new condition and is both attractive and reliable, then look no further! A vintage dress watch and you'd be pushed to find a better example. It's the perfect watch for a first-time vintage watch buyer and an Omega dress watch is a must have in any collection! Surely a great investment piece.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1152****
Reference : 13322
Movement :Cal. 260, 15 Jewels Age :1941/1950 Specific Age : 1949 Case Size :33.5mm Case Thickness : 9mm Lug to Lug : 41mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers :No Case Material : Solid 9ct Gold, English Dennison, Fully Hallmarked Birmingham 'Z' Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1949 Omega Mint Classic Manual Wind Dress Watch Model 13322 in Solid 9ct English Case with Box
