Omega Cal.266 Original Two-Tone Crosshair Dial 1955 36.5mm Oversize

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Omega Speedmasters were the first watches to arrive on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we have a fine example of a mid-50’s gentleman’s wristwatch. Despite its age, this watch retains much of its originality in the dial, case and movement. As a package, this is a large vintage watch with a robust stainless steel case, a fully serviced and guaranteed Omega movement and a tastefully aged original dial. A perfect watch for casual, daily use, overflowing with history and character.

The Dial

The original, unrestored and untouched two-tone dial carries shades of coffee and honey. The dial has faded evenly, with the gentlest patina creating this lightly textured dial which is a pleasure to behold.

The classic crosshairs split the dial into quarters, meeting the sub-seconds dial at 6.

The dial carries its original gilt ‘pencil’ hour indices matched with the original gilt dauphine hands.

The dial also carries the original gilt Omega brand and is correctly signed Omega, along with just below 6, ‘Swiss Made’.

The Movement

The Omega Calibre 266, 17 jewels copper-plated beryllium bronze hand-wound movement is part of the famous Omega 30mm series. This series was continually developed over 25 years and during this period, became a cornerstone of Omega’s technical and commercial development. It is very highly regarded, not only for its accuracy and reliability, but also for its dependability in a wide range of adverse conditions. Indeed it is this series of hand-wound movements, along with Omega’s early automatic movement of around the same time, which were largely responsible for Omega’s success in the second half of the last century and through to the current day.

As can be seen, the movement is in pristine, sparkling condition and has obviously been very well cared for. It is of course, signed Omega Watch Co, Swiss and marked with the calibre number 266 and 17 jewels, along with the movement serial number 14558088 which dates the watch to 1955.

This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +10 seconds/day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age and was tested on our electronic time-grapher. The power reserve on this movement is 45 hours when fully wound. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly, exactly as it should. We therefore have no hesitation in offering a 12 month warranty on the movement of this watch*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

At 36.5 mm in diameter excluding the signed Omega crown, this is a very large watch for 1955.

The watch has obviously been very well cared for and has seen only light use. The stainless-steel case has sculpted swept-back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence.

The Ref.2791 has a two-piece case design with a press-fit, waterproof case back. A rubber gasket, which has recently been replaced, provides the waterproof seal between the body and the case-back.

Although this watch was originally specified as waterproof, this has not been tested and therefore is not guaranteed.

The inside of the press-fit case-back is inscribed with the Omega Watch Co triangle, ‘Stainless Steel’, ‘Swiss Made’, ‘Patent Applied’ and the model reference number 2791-3.

Please note; We recommend vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a maroon Italian leather strap, which we feel suits the watch perfectly, and an Omega signed buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to offer your alternative choice, free of charge.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct and indicate the date of manufacture to 1955.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation is included in the sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! This will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage watches.

Thank you