Omega Seamaster Calendar Automatic, ref. 2849-8 SC, circa 1958

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

The Omega Seamaster was introduced in 1948 and is now one of the longest-running names in the Omega catalogue. The earliest Seamasters, however, looked very different from the diving watches with which the name is so closely associated today. They were elegant everyday watches, combining traditional Swiss styling with cases designed to provide greater protection for the movement during daily wear. During the 1950s, Omega steadily developed the collection, adding automatic movements and useful complications such as the date. The resulting Seamaster Calendar watches sit at an interesting point in the model's evolution: still very much classical mid-century dress watches, but increasingly practical for everyday use. The Calibre 503 belongs to Omega's important generation of full-rotor automatic movements from this period. With 20 jewels, central seconds, a date display and approximately 46 hours of power reserve, it represented the kind of dependable automatic movement around which Omega built much of its reputation during the post-war years. Nearly seven decades later, watches such as this show another side of the Seamaster story – long before the collection became synonymous with professional diving, it was already establishing itself as one of Omega's most enduring names. What’s on Offer Here we have an Omega Seamaster Calendar Automatic, reference 2849-8 SC, dating from approximately 1958 and powered by the 20-jewel Omega Calibre 503. The watch has a 34mm rose-gold-plated case, measuring approximately 42mm from top to bottom. Long, angular lugs give it more presence than the case diameter might initially suggest, while the combination of warm rose-gold tones and a black leather strap is quintessentially 1950s. But it is the dial that gives this particular example its personality. Originally light in colour, it has developed extensive natural patina across the surface, creating a mottled cream appearance with darker areas and spotting throughout. Rather than presenting as a pristine vintage dial, it wears its age very visibly – and for those who enjoy watches that have acquired an individual character over the decades, there is plenty to appreciate here. The dial combines applied rose-gold-tone triangular hour markers with Arabic numerals at 12, 9 and 6, matching hands and a framed date aperture at 3 o'clock. The applied Omega symbol and Omega Automatic signature sit beneath 12, with the wonderfully period Seamaster Calendar script above 6 o'clock. The case also shows clear evidence of its life. There are surface marks and areas of wear to the rose-gold plating, particularly around the case edges and bezel, all of which are visible in the photographs and reflected in our 7.5/10 condition rating. Turn the watch over and the stainless-steel caseback carries the familiar Omega Seamaster hippocampus medallion, another lovely period detail. Inside is the Omega Calibre 503, a 20-jewel automatic mechanical movement with an approximate 46-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted to a black leather strap with an adjustable fit. This watch forms part of a larger collection that we have been asked to sell on behalf of a watch collector's family. If you would like the watch serviced before receiving it, this can be arranged through our watchmaker at additional cost. Simply leave a note when placing your order and we will contact you to discuss the options.