This Deserves More Attention
A love letter to Omega's Seamaster as I highlight a truly special example; discussing the significance of early Omegas
Omega Seamaster this, Omega Seamaster that, yada yada - it’s a story that’s been beaten to death. Yet, these beefy lugged Seamasters still fly under most people’s radar.
Regarded as one of the best first vintage buys, the Seamaster blends practicality with price. Yet the Seamaster we are discussing today is one of the most expensive and rare examples in its class - the star of today’s article:
We know, the strap is undersized - it’s called a statement :(
What is it?
A reference 2520 from 1950 in solid 18k gold - this sentence right here only raises hairs for true enthusiasts. Why? The 1950 production year makes this an extremely early example, being among the first Seamasters ever made.
The 2520/2577 double reference is rare as hell, and finding one in original, wearable condition is like finding a Paul Newman (but, you know, not worth a house).
The dial has gone a little tropical, akin to its home of Argentina. Looking closely we see that the dial is ‘chronometre’ rated - referring to the caliber 352RG inside adjusted to temperature and position.
Most 2520s come in 14k gold minus a chronometer rating, and yet this one is in 18k with an original blued steel seconds hand. This all adds up to be one of the most impressive, and collectable vintage Omegas out there.
Who Cares?
You, the enthusiast should care. Why? This Omega is the perfect encapsulation of an underappreciated market that has been gaining traction throughout the years.
Price on this bad boy? 3k US - not bad considering its list of specs.
Omega made these watches to be in direct competition with brands like Rolex, Patek, etc. With this watch, you’re getting the usability of an Oyster Perpetual, yet the elegance of a Calatrava.
Look closely for the original Omega logo on that crystal
Appreciating the history behind this piece allows us to reflect on what makes this hobby so enjoyable - finding hidden gems that have yet to be scooped up by the market or a collector.
I’ve always wanted an 1803, frequently stating that I’d stop buying watches if I was able to secure one (we all know that’s not the case). But in the world of vintage, it seems everyone and their mother has that crown on their wrist. The crown is indicative of a brand with a lot of hype at the moment. Sure, I’d wear a Datejust any day of the week, but this Omega - it’s for a real enthusiast.
To be frank, I’d find it way cooler if I saw someone wearing this Omega in the wild as opposed to them wearing a Sub or Day Date. I know, I know, that’s a hot take, but c’mon, not much is cooler than this vintage Omega at its price point.
Watches trade hands more than you’d expect. There’ve been watches I’ve owned more than once, selling to a dealer, buying back from another seller, etc. But this specimen was sourced from the home of the original owner, even on its original buckle. Watches like that just feel a bit more honest.
How Do You Wear it?
Sure, a vintage gold Omega is cool, perhaps one of the watches you appreciate for its significance, but one that doesn’t quite fit today’s style trends. Perhaps you view them as more dressy, because let’s be honest, you can tell these things are from the 1950s.
Time to rethink that…
I wear these watches with anything. Nike kicks, old jerseys, a vintage flannel, Carhartt pants, you name it. While it retains that old world ‘Cartier-class’ it looks just as young on a single pass nato.
**My nato game is on point - I source these things NOS from the ‘60s - no, I do not have a time machine**
Being gold means this piece explodes in the sun. Surprisingly, this piece is quite muted in most scenarios, likely due to the specific composition of gold used in this watch.
Its entire case has a polished finish, and flies under the radar at 34mm - but with thicc lugs, this thing is a bomb on a sunny day. I never expected the watch to get the most attention while on my wrist would be a rather unassuming Seamaster.
Doesn’t Stop at Gold
Recently we had the absolute pleasure of offering one of the finest Seamaster bumpers to hit the market.
And again, we don’t even have to say it, but we will: value prop.
An Omega with an ever so fine linen dial, applied logo, incredibly finished case, and a truly high quality and serviceable movement is still well around the 1k mark. With a similarly comparable, entry level Rolex, you’re paying for a name, simply put. When you put those watches head to head, ignore their logo, and look at their feel, quality, and specs, they’re comparable.
Moral of the story: Enjoy what you want, but explore the watches that’re under the radar - that’s where the real diamonds in the rough hide.