The Vintage OMEGA Seamaster Chronometre 354 is a True Treasure
Omega is a renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker that has been producing high-quality timepieces for over a century. The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence, and its watches have been worn by everyone from astronauts to movie stars. One of the most sought-after watches by collectors is the chronometer rated Omega Seamaster with the Calibre 354 Bumper automatic movement. Among the vintage Seamasters, those with chronometer rated movements are particularly coveted, making them highly prized additions to any collection.
The rare Honeycomb Dial of the 1952 Omega Gold Capped Seamaster with Bumper Caliber 354 continues to captivate as time goes by.
1952 Omega Seamaster Bumper Caliber 354 with Honeycomb Dial and Forest Green 18mm strap exudes neatness and uniqueness.
The Seamaster series was first introduced in 1948 as a tribute to Omega's maritime heritage. The watches in this line were designed with robust water-resistant performance and leaned towards sporty styles. In contrast, the Constellation series was positioned as the high-end collection, with noble and gentlemanly designs, and all these models were certified by astronomical observatories. In terms of movements, Omega differentiated between those that were astronomical observatory-grade and those that were not.
Amazingly cool and outstanding Vintage Omega Seamaster with Bumper Caliber 354 on a black and khaki James Bond strap with black hardware.
During the early days of the bumper automatic movement, there were astronomical observatory-grade models such as the 333, 334, 341, 343, 352 with RG precision adjustment, and the 354, which featured an index regulator with a micrometer screw for fine adjustment. It's worth noting that the 354 had both chronometer-signed and non-signed bumper movements, with the former distinguished by an additional font on the rotor and serial numbers beginning with '11x'. Here, we are showcasing the type of non-chronometer automatic movement that was likely first introduced around 1953, based on the serial number of this particular item which is a late '13x' model.
The image features the vintage Omega Seamaster with a bumper rotor on 354 caliber, known for its distinctive sound and large oscillating weight.
The Omega Bumper 354 chronometer movement had a rotor inscribed with "Adjusted Five (5) Positions and Temperature," and some models featured serial numbers beginning with "11x.
The bumper movement is so-called because the rotor, which is responsible for winding the watch, "bumps" against two springs at either end of its rotation. This causes the rotor to reverse direction and wind the mainspring in the opposite direction. While this type of movement is not as precise as a modern automatic movement, it has its own unique charm.
The regulator and the balance wheel, essential components of the Omega 354 bumper movement.
The Omega Seamaster 354, introduced in the early 1950s, is a classic timepiece and a popular choice among divers and water sports enthusiasts. The watch boasts a stainless steel case with a screw-down back, a silver dial with applied markers, and a date window at the 3 o'clock position. It is powered by the Caliber 354 movement, which has 17 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
The Omega Bumper 354 movements that had serial numbers beginning with '13x' were non-chronometer movements, and these tended to be the later models.
While the Constellation series, all with astronomical observatory-grade certification, had a large production volume, the Seamaster series from the 1950s with bumper movements and astronomical observatory-grade certification are rare and challenging to find in good condition, especially those from the Seamaster series. Among antique Omega watch collectors, astronomical observatory-grade Seamaster watches with bumper movements are highly prized, owing to their scarcity and distinctive features.
For those who prefer the color black, this well-crafted Quick Release 18mm CrocoCalf Watch Band is not just an essential accessory, but also pairs perfectly with vintage Omega watches.
The extreme quality of this Croco grain watch band has a significant influence on vintage Omega watches.
Today, the Omega Seamaster 354 with a bumper movement is highly coveted by collectors. Its unique design and history make it a true classic, and its rarity only adds to its appeal. If you are lucky enough to find one of these vintage timepieces, you can be sure that you are getting a piece of watchmaking history that will be treasured for generations to come.
The combination of the Omega Gold Capped Seamaster with a honeycomb dial and a 18mm Brown Croco Calf Watch Band featuring a quick-release mechanism is a classic pairing that radiates both elegance and timelessness.
The best balance of classic design is achieved with this Croco grain leather watch band, featuring a 18mm lug tapered down to 3mm at the buckle.
To conclude, the Omega Seamaster series from the 1950s, featuring bumper movements and astronomical observatory-grade certification, are incredibly rare and highly prized by antique Omega watch collectors. These timepieces are particularly desirable due to their scarcity and the unique combination of features that they offer. Finding these watches in good condition is a challenge, making them all the more valuable and in great demand among collectors. With their rich history, the Seamaster series with astronomical observatory-grade certification and bumper movements represent the pinnacle of vintage Omega watchmaking and are truly a collector's treasure.
Written by Vienna C., images by Toni
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