We have here a stunning over-sized Omega Seamaster. Larger Omega watches are seemingly scarce and can appeal to the more substantial wrist or someone who just prefers a vintage watch of size. We cannot take our eyes off this dial! Initially a two-tone dial, it has tropicalised in such a unique way that turning it in the light reveals stripes on the dial. There is zero doubt about this dial's originality and we've never seen anything like it! On this fascinating dial we have a mixture of applied, gilt Arabic and dagger markers and gilt, dauphine hour, minute and central seconds hands. Age, climate and conditions all contribute to a dial patina and this "tropical" effect is quite rare and even more so when its even and balanced.
The 36mm, gold-capped, clip-on case has attractive curved lugs, making this interesting piece even more special. Dont get It mixed up with gold plated! Gold capping is a physical layer of gold wrapped around a base material. It's thick and lasts much longer compared to electroplate. Inside is Omega's automatic caliber 501, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a genuine lizard brown leather strap but it looks great dressed up on black or even blue too!
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.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
There's such a beautiful symmetry to this watch which is enhanced by the tropicalised stripes on the dial - we can't get enough of it, it's mesmerising! Call it jumbo , oversized or large but it's only 1mm more then a standard model. About as good a vintage, pre-owned Omega as you will find. Perfect for the vintage watch newbie or seasoned collector, this is one not to be missed.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1517****
Reference : 2857
Movement : Cal. 501, 20 Jewels Age :1951/1960 Specific Age :1956 Case Size : 36mm Case Thickness : 44mm Lug to Lug : 12mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Gold Capped Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1956 Jumbo Oversized Omega Seamaster Automatic with Unique Two-Tone Tropicalised Dial Model 2857 in 36mm Gold Capped Case
