Omega 14736-1 SC (1958)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This distinguished Omega Automatic from the late 1950s encapsulates the elegance of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Featuring the highly regarded Caliber 501 and a classic stainless steel case profile, this timepiece offers a sophisticated aesthetic that has aged with unique character. It represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of Omega history that balances dress-watch refinement with reliable mechanical engineering. Brand: Omega Model: Automatic Reference Number: 14736-1 SC Serial Number: 16753461 Movement: Omega Caliber 501 Automatic Dial: Factory original with stardust patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1958 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of age, particularly on the dial which displays a consistent patina, while the case remains sharp and attractive. Testing on a timegrapher reveals performance between -4 and -8 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates healthy movement operation. Dial and Hands The dial has developed a uniform "stardust" patina across its surface, giving the watch a warm and distinctive vintage appearance that collectors often seek. It features applied silver-tone baton hour markers and the applied Omega logo at the 12 o'clock position. The original Dauphine hands are present and show oxidation consistent with the age of the piece. The "Omega Automatic" text remains crisp and legible despite the aging of the dial background. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is in very good condition, showing evidence of careful preservation or light polishing in the past as the lugs remain defined. The bezel is smooth and free from major dings. The watch is fitted with an Omega-signed crown featuring the brand logo. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the character-rich dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the renowned Omega Caliber 501, a copper-colored automatic movement with 20 jewels. The movement is clean and visually appealing, showcasing the quality finishing Omega was known for during this era. It is running well within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing a variance of -4 to -8 seconds per day and strong amplitude, confirming its mechanical health. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring a scale-like pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly, secured by a silver-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The casing is well-preserved with bright surfaces and minimal handling marks. The dial shows evident aging in the form of spotting and patina, which confirms its originality and age. The movement is clean, functioning correctly, and keeping good time for a watch of this vintage. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown, a classic size for dress watches of the 1950s that wears elegantly on the wrist. The lug width and case profile provide a balanced and comfortable fit suitable for daily wear or formal occasions. Remarks This Reference 14736 is a charming example of Omega's golden era of dress watches. The Caliber 501 is often cited by watchmakers as one of the superior automatic movements produced by the brand. The heavy patina on the dial makes this specific example unique, offering a "wabi-sabi" appeal that cannot be replicated in modern timepieces. History Omega introduced the Caliber 501 in the mid-1950s as part of their premier line of full-rotor automatic movements. During 1958, when this watch was produced, Omega was solidifying its reputation as a leader in precision timekeeping, producing watches that were not only accurate but also designed with timeless elegance. This model hails from a period just prior to the heavy marketing of specific model lines like the Seamaster or Geneve, standing simply on the merit of its high-quality automatic caliber. / Second Vintage SKU: OMEQIV5I60000