Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: CK 2913-7 SC
    Movement No: 15'706'469
    Model Name: Seamaster 300
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 501, 20 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped "4 60"
    Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by red Omega presentation box and Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1958 and its subsequent delivery to South Africa.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Seamaster line is the oldest series of Omega timepieces still in production today. Its origin dates back to 1948 when, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the brand, a new wristwatch model was released: indeed the Seamaster. Featuring water resistance capabilities, this was a civilian application of technologies developed during wartime, but it still maintained a very “1940s”, “non-tool” overall design. This all changed in 1957.

    1957 is a year Omega enthusiasts have branded in their minds, as it is the year when the “Holy Trinity” of Omega professional timepieces saw the light of day, with the release of the Speedmaster (ref. CK2915), the Railmaster (ref. CK2914), and indeed the Seamaster 300 (ref. 2913, exemplified by the present lot). These three models are considered so iconic and landmark, that last year (2017) a re-edition of all three was issued by Omega among collective acclaim from the collector community.

    As with the other two references, the Seamaster 300 features the extremely rare and attractive broad arrow hands, giving it an extremely distinctive look which has grown to “cult” status for Omega collectors. Furthermore, compared to earlier Seamaster iterations, reference 2913 was a truly professional timepiece, conceived as a tool to aid scuba divers in their explorations. The broad hands allow for high legibility in all condition, and the revolving bezel was specifically designed to aid with decompression time.

    The present example was delivered to South Africa on March 1, 1958 and is without a doubt one of the most attractive and well-preserved to grace an auction room. Fully correct, it features “lollipop” center seconds, a flawless revolving bezel still retaining its original radium dot, and outstandingly crisp engravings to the case back.

    Considered the growing interest in the world of vintage watch collecting in general, and in the realm of professional timepieces specifically, it is quite possible that a piece of such absolute correctness and incredible condition will take decades to resurface on the market, making this an unmissable opportunity for the most discerning and demanding of the collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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Ref. CK 2913-7 SC
A fine and very rare stainless steel automatic diver's wristwatch with "lollipop" center seconds, bracelet and box

1958
38.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€17,100-34,300
$21,200-42,300

Sold for CHF100,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018