21st Jul, 2018 10:00 GMT/BST
Summer Fine Art Sale
169
A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Centre Seconds Wristwatch, signed Omega, model: Seamaster 300...
The rare second generation Seamaster 300 reference 165.024, housing the movement calibre 552, was made by Omega between 1962 and 1969. Its distinctive features include a Bakelite bezel, sword and baton hands, a 42mm case and turned rather than straight lugs. Omega commissioned cases from two different manufacturers for this model, Huguenin Frères as seen in this watch, and Centrale Boites, both of whom stamped their initials on the cases.
Known as the 'Big Triangle' for its distinctive oversized 12 o'clock marker, dials of this type were initially designed by Omega exclusively for military watches commissioned by the Ministry of Defence. However, they later produced the 165.024 reference for the civilian market, identical to the Ministry of Defence version except for the switching of fixed lug bars for spring bars and of course the removal of the military markings.
A curiosity of the Omega production and assembly process in the 1960s is that their parts were often made several years before they were assembled into a watch. Some Omega watches from the era, such as this lot, have different dates stamped on different parts; in this example the case is dated 1964 but the movement can be dated by its production number to 1966. The difference in the dates of production between different parts of a 1960s Omega watch can be up to four years apart.
By repute, the vendor acquired this watch in the late 1960s, and it has been in storage since the mid-1970s.
Sold for £6,500
Estimated at £5,000 - £7,000
. 13.06.18, Case with surface scratches, case with surface scratches, lugs with minor dents, case back Seamaster inscription is rubbed, back cover with opening tool scratch marks, bakelite bezel with small scratches, one deeper scratch next to the 20 minute marker, plexi glass with the Omega symbol stamped to the centre, later bracelet, dial surface between 5 and 6 with slight staining, luminous markers are slightly faded, minute hand has been re-luminized and is patchy, hands need re-luminizing, hand setting correctly, movement with too much end shake on the balance staff, possibly a broken balance staff, balance swings for a short period when shaking the watch and then stops, movement needs a service, movement not in going order. Not been serviced.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Sell one like this
If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch.
