Omega - Seamaster - 14390 - 2 SC - Men - 1960

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Omega Seamaster stands as one of the most enduring and respected model lines in horological history, seamlessly blending robust engineering with refined mid-century elegance. This particular example, dating to the dawn of the 1960s, perfectly captures the quintessential dress-watch aesthetic of the era while maintaining the robust DNA that defines the Seamaster family. Powered by the legendary manual-winding Caliber 285, this timepiece represents a golden era of Omega’s in-house manufacturing, offering collectors a remarkably well-preserved slice of vintage Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 14390 - 2 SC Serial Number: 17579650 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 285, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Seamaster is an absolute standout, presenting in exceptionally clean, near-mint condition with a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The typography is crisp and fully intact, featuring the classic serif Omega font and the sweeping, elegant Seamaster script in the lower half. The dial furniture includes an applied gold-tone Omega logo and applied faceted baton indices, with a distinctive double baton at the twelve o'clock position featuring black inserts for enhanced legibility. The dial is free from prominent spots, moisture damage, or heavy patina, showcasing an impressive level of preservation. The gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices perfectly, exhibiting a gentle, age-consistent oxidation on their surfaces that adds a touch of authentic vintage character without detracting from the watch's highly refined appearance. Case and Crystal The 35mm case features a brilliant gold-plated finish that transitions beautifully into the sharply faceted lugs, a signature design element of vintage Omega dress watches. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial perfectly, while the case flanks show only light, honest surface wear consistent with careful handling over the decades. The factory lines remain well-defined, avoiding the over-polished look that plagues many vintage pieces. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, vintage distortion at the edges and remains clear and highly legible. The original scalloped crown, signed with the Omega logo, is present and easily operable. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback, prominently displaying a deeply engraved and incredibly crisp Omega Seahorse medallion, a testament to the watch's unpolished and well-maintained state. The inner caseback clearly displays the reference number 14390 - 2 SC. Movement Inside beats the celebrated Omega Caliber 285, a 17-jewel manual-winding movement renowned for its durability and precision. The movement presents beautifully with Omega’s traditional copper-toned plating, which remains rich and vibrant. Close inspection reveals clean bridges, well-preserved screw heads, and the clearly stamped serial number 17579650, dating the watch to approximately 1960. The movement is in outstanding health, exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher testing indicates a highly impressive performance of +15 to +18 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct gold-tone beads of rice stainless steel bracelet. This incredibly comfortable and stylish bracelet drapes elegantly on the wrist, enhancing the mid-century aesthetic of the Seamaster. The bracelet shows some expected fading and wear to the gold plating in high-friction areas, entirely consistent with its vintage nature. It is sized to accommodate a wrist of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear highlight, remaining exceptionally pristine and free of the spotting or staining often found on watches of this age. The case retains strong geometry and sharp lug facets, with only superficial scratches indicative of normal, respectful wear. The crispness of the caseback Seahorse engraving further underscores the careful preservation of this piece. The mechanical health is equally impressive, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage Omega. Dimensions The case measures a classic 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. This proportion was the standard of masculine elegance in the 1960s and remains highly versatile today, offering a refined presence that slips effortlessly under a tailored cuff while providing enough visual weight for casual wear. Remarks Finding an early 1960s Omega Seamaster with a dial this clean and a caseback this crisp is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the radiant sunburst dial, faceted dauphine hands, and the venerable Caliber 285 makes this a highly compelling acquisition for both seasoned Omega collectors and those looking for a foundational vintage dress watch. Its excellent mechanical performance ensures it is ready to be enjoyed immediately. History Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, the Seamaster line was initially designed as a robust, water-resistant dress watch for active individuals. Drawing upon the brand's experience producing highly durable watches for the British Ministry of Defense during the Second World War, the early Seamasters combined military-proven reliability with civilian elegance. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Seamaster had evolved into a symbol of refined adventure, utilizing some of the most reliable manual and automatic calibers of the 20th century. Today, these mid-century Seamasters are celebrated as masterclasses in timeless design and enduring mechanical quality. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OSX-0071