OMEGA SEAMASTER 2849 AUTOMATIC, VINTAGE 60s

Omega Seamaster 2849 Automatic Calendar: An Icon of Mid-20th Century Utility Watchmaking

Historical Context and Origin

Omega, founded in 1848 in Switzerland, solidified its reputation as a pioneer in precision watchmaking during the 20th century. In 1948, it launched the Seamaster line to commemorate its centenary, initially designed as a water-resistant watch for maritime professionals. The reference 2849, introduced in 1956, represented a key evolution by incorporating a date calendar, combining functionality with elegance in a post-war context where the demand for versatile watches was growing exponentially 25. This model belongs to the “second generation” of Seamaster, characterized by 34 mm cases with “long lugs”, slim profiles (11.5 mm thick) and improved waterproofing, marked on its case back with the engraving “WATERPROOF” 57.

Design and Technical Evolution

The Seamaster 2849 stands out for its balanced blend of sportiness and sophistication:

• Dial and Legibility: Dials in ultra-bright white or silver with hour markers shaped like “arrows” (arrow-end indexes), dauphine hands with lume filling (initially radium) and a date window at 3 o’clock. Models with “custardy” patina (creamy tones) on the indexes stand out, considered exceptional for their rarity and beauty 57.

• Materials and Construction: Cases in stainless steel or gold-plated (ref. 2849-6SC and 2849-4SC), with original plexiglass crystal signed by Omega. The smooth bezel and polished sides reflect Swiss mid-century style 49.

• Bracelet Variants: Some models included the exclusive “Beads of Rice” bracelet in steel/gold-plated, highly sought after by collectors today 4.

Mechanical Innovation: The Calibre 503

The heart of the 2849 is the calibre 503 automatic movement, produced between 1955 and 1960:

• Precision and Robustness: With 19 jewels, a frequency of 19,800 vph and a power reserve of 46 hours, it stood out for its reliability under demanding conditions 24.

• Winding System: It featured a lily rotor, a characteristic Omega design that optimized the efficiency of the automatic movement without increasing thickness 5.

• Date Function: The date change was done through the crown, without an intermediate position, a standard in watches of that era 2.

Variants and Collectible Models

The reference 2849 included multiple configurations, defined by suffix codes:

• 2849-6SC/2849-10SC: Stainless steel with silver or white dial 57.

• 2849-4SC: Gold-plated with cream dial and gold markers, associated with retailers like Turler (dual signature on the dial) 8.

• 2849-6 SC “BOR”: Version with integrated “Beads of Rice” bracelet, considered the most elegant 4.

Table: Key Specifications of the Seamaster 2849

Legacy and Value in the Vintage Market

• Collectibility: Examples in original condition (intact dial, unaltered lume, sharp case engravings) reach values of €4,000-€6,840 25. Homogeneous patina and pieces with original case and bracelet are the most desired.

• Influence on Modern Models: The design of the 2849 series inspired contemporary watches like the Seamaster 200 of the same decade, strengthening Omega’s identity as a brand of refined utility tools 1.

• Common Risks: Many pieces were over-polished or modified with non-original dials, decreasing their value. Erased “WATERPROOF” engravings signal inappropriate interventions 5

• The Omega Seamaster 2849 Automatic Calendar encapsulates the horological philosophy of the 1950s: technical robustness, understated elegance and daily functionality. Its calibre 503 showcased Omega’s capacity to innovate in automatic movements, while its design remains relevant among vintage collectors. Today, it’s a testimony of an era where watches were made to last, blending art and engineering in 34 mm diameter.

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