Omega Seamaster Automatic | 14K Gold Filled | Cal. 552 | 1960s

Description

The Omega Seamaster Automatic in 14K gold filled is a textbook example of 1960s Swiss watchmaking at its peak. The round case has a warm gold presence with clean, straight lugs that give it a classical profile. The 14K gold filling provides substantially more gold content than plating, with a thickness that has held up well over six decades.

The silver sunburst dial is clean and bright, with applied gold faceted stick indices that catch light from multiple angles. The Omega horseshoe logo sits at 12 o'clock above "OMEGA" and "AUTOMATIC" text, while "Seamaster" appears in the brand's signature italic script at the 6 position. Gold dauphine hands add to the refined aesthetic, with a thin central sweep seconds hand.

The caseback carries the iconic Seamaster hippocampus (sea horse) emblem with "SEAMASTER" text below, confirming the watch's lineage. Inside is the Caliber 552 automatic movement, a 24-jewel workhorse with hacking seconds that Omega collectors regard as one of the finest vintage automatics ever produced. On a tan croc-embossed leather strap with original Omega-signed gold buckle bearing the horseshoe logo.

Key Features

• Brand: Omega
• Model: Seamaster Automatic
• Reference: 165.xxx
• Movement: Automatic, Caliber 552 (24 jewels, hacking)
• Case Material: 14K Gold Filled
• Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold faceted stick indices
• Hands: Gold dauphine with central sweep seconds
• Crystal: Domed acrylic
• Crown: Omega-signed with horseshoe logo, knurled edge
• Caseback: Seamaster hippocampus emblem
• Strap: Tan croc-embossed leather with contrast stitching
• Buckle: Original Omega-signed gold pin buckle with horseshoe logo
• Year: Circa 1960s

Specifications

• Reference:
• Case Diameter: ~34 mm (excluding crown)
• Lug to Lug:
• Case Thickness:
• Lug Width:
• Case Material: 14K Gold Filled over steel

Condition Report

• Dial: Silver sunburst dial in very good condition. Clean with no marks or discoloration. Applied faceted indices secure and properly aligned. Printing crisp throughout.
• Hands: Gold dauphine hands clean with no corrosion or patina. Seconds hand straight.
• Crystal: Domed acrylic in good condition. Minor surface marks that can be polished with Polywatch.
• Case: 14K gold filled case retains strong gold luster. No brassing visible at lugs or edges. Case lines remain defined.
• Crown: Original Omega-signed crown with horseshoe logo. Knurled edge intact. Winds and sets smoothly.
• Caseback: Hippocampus/Seamaster emblem well-defined. Steel caseback in very good condition.
• Movement: Cal. 552 automatic running well. Hacking seconds functional.
• Strap: Tan croc-embossed leather in good condition with contrast stitching.
• Buckle: Original Omega-signed gold buckle with horseshoe logo. Clean and functional.

Historical Significance

The Seamaster line launched in 1948 and became one of Omega's most iconic collections. The Caliber 552 is widely regarded as the finest vintage Omega automatic, featuring a free-sprung balance, hacking seconds, and Geneva stripes finishing. 14K gold filled cases offered a luxurious look with genuine gold content, making them a practical alternative to solid gold. The combination of the 552 movement with the Seamaster case represents the peak of Omega's mid-century automatic production.

A well-preserved Seamaster with the coveted Cal. 552 movement, original Omega-signed crown and buckle, and the classic hippocampus caseback. Everything a vintage Omega collector looks for.