Omega Ladymatic 551004 (1966)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exquisite representation of mid-century feminine elegance and serious horological engineering, this Omega Ladymatic captures the essence of 1960s luxury. At a time when women's watches were predominantly manual-wind and focused solely on aesthetics, the Ladymatic line revolutionized the market by offering robust, high-quality automatic movements housed within beautifully crafted, jewelry-like cases. This particular example stands out with its breathtaking faceted crystal, which catches the light brilliantly and frames the dial like a cut gemstone, making it a truly captivating vintage treasure for the discerning collector. Brand: Omega Model: Ladymatic Reference Number: 551004 Serial Number: 23327287 Movement: Omega Caliber 661, 24 Jewels, Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, showing very light, attractive vintage aging Case Size: 17 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 20 Micron Gold Plated with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved faceted crystal and clean case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Ladymatic features a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, complemented by applied gold-tone faceted baton hour markers and an applied gold-tone Omega logo. The elegant typography, including the sweeping serif "Ladymatic" script and the crisp "SWISS MADE" designation at the bottom, remains perfectly intact with no print loss. The matching gold-tone faceted baton hands are excellently preserved and free of oxidation. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains exceptionally clean, exhibiting only the faintest, most subtle signs of honest, age-consistent patina near the very edges, which does not detract from its stunning overall presentation. Case and Crystal The petite 17 millimeter case is crafted from 20-micron gold-plated brass and features dramatically sweeping, angular lugs that give the watch a distinct architectural presence on the wrist. The undisputed highlight of this timepiece is its spectacular faceted acrylic crystal, which features a complex diamond-cut perimeter that creates a mesmerizing prism effect over the dial edge. The crystal is in remarkable condition, free of deep scratches or chips. The gold-plated case flanks and original Omega-signed knurled crown show normal, honest signs of vintage wear, with the plating remaining largely intact and vibrant. The stainless steel snap-on caseback, correctly stamped with reference 551004 internally, displays expected superficial surface scratches from careful historical wear. Movement Powering this elegant timepiece is the in-house Omega Caliber 661 automatic movement, a marvel of miniaturization featuring 24 jewels. The movement displays Omega's signature copper-toned plating, which remains bright and visually exceptionally clean. Close-up inspection reveals the serial number 23327287 clearly stamped on the bridge, dating the watch accurately to the mid-1960s. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a healthy +16 to +20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a charming, period-correct brown leather strap featuring contrasting gold-tone stitching that perfectly complements the case. Notably, the strap is completed by a vintage gold-tone pin buckle featuring the applied Omega logo, adding a significant touch of completeness and collector appeal to the presentation. Condition This Omega Ladymatic is presented in excellent vintage condition. It is a wonderfully preserved example that balances honest signs of historical wear with outstanding aesthetic integrity. The dial is notably clean, the case retains its sharp architectural lines without signs of over-polishing, and the defining faceted crystal is beautifully intact. The movement is remarkably clean and running with impressive vintage precision. Dimensions Case Size: 17 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Omega Ladymatic with its original faceted crystal intact and in such brilliant condition is a rare delight. This watch perfectly bridges the gap between a piece of fine vintage jewelry and a capable mechanical timepiece, offering a unique wearing experience that modern watches simply cannot replicate. It is a sophisticated addition to any vintage collection or a perfect daily wearer for someone who appreciates mid-century design. History Introduced in 1955, the Ladymatic was a milestone for Omega, representing the brand's first automatic wristwatch designed specifically for women. During an era when ladies' timepieces were often treated merely as decorative bracelets with rudimentary manual movements, Omega took a different path, equipping the Ladymatic with chronometer-grade or highly refined automatic calibers. The line was championed by fashion icons of the era and represented independence, elegance, and technological sophistication. Today, vintage Ladymatic models are highly sought after for their historical significance and their enduring, timeless charm. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OLX-0002