Omega Seamaster Automatic Ref. 2846 / 2848
Dress Watch / Vintage Tool Watch crossover · Omega (Swatch Group), positioned in the luxury tier with historic prestige and widespread recognition
Period: Mid-Century (1950s) with classic vintage dress-tool aesthetics
Type
Dress Watch / Vintage Tool Watch crossover
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group), positioned in the luxury tier with historic prestige and widespread recognition
Movement
Automatic self-winding mechanical movement, likely Omega Caliber 501 or bumper movement ancestor, operating at 19,800 vph with approximately 40 hours of power reserve
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 34mm to 35mm, thickness around 11mm, lug-to-lug distance roughly 42mm, and lug width of 18mm
Description
This vintage Omega Seamaster Automatic is a quintessential mid-century timepiece that bridges the gap between rugged utility and refined elegance. Housed in a modest 34mm stainless steel case, it features a warm silver dial accented by polished gold-tone indices and hands. Paired with a comfortable beads-of-rice bracelet, it exudes timeless charm, effortless versatility, and undeniable horological heritage.
Key Features
Classic mid-century Seamaster design, applied Omega logo, vintage cursive Seamaster script, and the iconic beads-of-rice steel bracelet
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial featuring applied gold-tone baton hour indices, dauphine hands, and the classic cursive 'Seamaster' script at 6 o'clock with the applied Omega logo above
Case Material
Stainless steel case with a combination of polished bezel and brushed surfaces
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic crystal showing characteristic vintage light scratching and weathering
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth polished stainless steel bezel
Crown & Pushers
Signed small round pull-out crown with the Omega logo
Bracelet or Strap
Vintage stainless steel beads-of-rice style bracelet with folding clasp
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down case back typically featuring the classic Seamaster hippocampus (sea monster) logo engraving
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding mechanical movement, likely Omega Caliber 501 or bumper movement ancestor, operating at 19,800 vph with approximately 40 hours of power reserve
Water Resistance
Originally water-resistant to modest depths (typically 30 meters), but given the age of the watch and vintage gaskets, it should be treated as strictly non-water-resistant today
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland, featuring an in-house Omega mechanical movement
Age Estimate
Circa mid-to-late 1950s based on the dial layout, case shape, and movement era
Cultural Significance
Representing the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, the vintage Seamaster cemented Omega's reputation for reliability, precision, and enduring style, becoming a staple of mid-century professional and casual attire
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition. The acrylic crystal displays surface scratches typical of age, the dial shows natural patina and aging, and the case has moderate wear consistent with decades of gentle use. The movement runs but would benefit from a complete service.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $800 and $1,500 USD depending on exact reference, movement condition, originality, and the presence of box or papers
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to moisture due to degraded vintage gaskets, keep away from strong magnetic fields, and have the movement professionally serviced every 5 to 7 years
Similar Watches
Longines Flagship, Universal Genève Polerouter, and vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual models from the same era
Interesting Facts
The Seamaster line was introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, drawing heavily on the waterproof watch technology developed for the British military during World War II