Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Omega Seamaster Calendar on Beads-of-Rice Bracelet
Watch (Vintage Luxury Wristwatch) · Yellow Gold (Classic mid-century warm hue consistent with high-grade Swiss alloys).
Purity: 18K (750 fineness) Solid Gold; denotes 75% pure gold content alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Type
Watch (Vintage Luxury Wristwatch)
Purity
18K (750 fineness) Solid Gold; denotes 75% pure gold content alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Classic mid-century warm hue consistent with high-grade Swiss alloys).
Weight
85 to 105 grams total weight (inclusive of movement), with approximately 45-55 grams of 18K gold content.
Description
A Rare 18K solid gold Omega Seamaster Calendar featuring the legendary caliber 353 or 355 bumper automatic movement. This specimen represents the pinnacle of 1950s waterproof luxury, paired with an exceptionally rare and heavy solid gold 'beads-of-rice' bracelet. The cream dial features applied gold arrow markers and a date aperture at 6 o'clock, creating a symmetrical and timeless aesthetic.
Key Features
Solid 18K gold case and bracelet, 'Beefy Lug' case design, date at 6 o'clock position (rare for early models), and the integrated beads-of-rice bracelet.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold with high-polish finish on the bezel and bracelet links; age-appropriate patina and slight tarnishing in crevices.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected 18K/750 stamps on the case back interior and bracelet clasp; Omega logo on dial, crown, and clasp.
Dimensions Estimate
34-35mm case diameter (excluding crown), 18mm lug width, standard men's vintage length (approx. 7.5 inches).
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features a silvered pie-pan or sunburst dial with applied gold faceted hour markers.
Clasp & Closure
Folding deployant box clasp with embossed Omega logo, typical of 1950s production.
Chain & Links
Beads-of-Rice five-row link construction; iconic 1950s design providing high flexibility and wrist comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality Swiss assembly; hand-applied dial indices; robust link construction with pins and integrated end-links.
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the Seamonster logo (if on case back), specific font of 'Seamaster Calendar', logo on crown, and the characteristic weight of 18K vs. gold capped versions.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; manufactured by Omega SA (Bienne), a premier Swiss luxury watchmaker.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s); characterized by 'Beefy Lugs' and the introduction of the date window at 6 o'clock.
Age Estimate
Circa 1952-1958; specifically identifiable by the 'Calendar' designation and early cross-hair dial elements.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of post-war economic prosperity and the 'Executive' lifestyle of the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Light surface scratches on the case and bracelet; dial shows minor 'stardust' spotting/patina; bracelet shows minimal stretch for its age.
Value Estimate
$6,000 - $9,500 based on current market; value is heavily weighted by the rare solid 18K gold bracelet which commands a significant premium over leather strap versions.
Care & Maintenance
Mechanical service every 5-7 years; do not expose to water despite the 'Seamaster' name; clean gold links with a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners for the watch head.
Similar Items
Omega Constellation (higher chronometer grade), Rolex Oyster Perpetual (direct competitor), or gold-capped Seamaster variants (lower gold value).
Interesting Facts
The Seamaster is Omega's oldest line still in production, originally inspired by waterproof watches supplied to the British military during WWII.