Omega Seamaster 2576

The Omega Seamaster reference 2576 was introduced in 1949 as part of Omega’s International Collection, coinciding with the brand’s centenary celebrations and the dawn of the Seamaster line in 1948. Its significance lies in being one of the earliest Seamaster models, embodying a post-war design philosophy that merged robustness derived from military specifications—notably its innovative rubber O-ring gasket for water resistance—with civilian elegance. Typically powered by Omega’s early “bumper” automatic movements, Caliber 342 or 344, the 2576 is distinguished by its subsidiary seconds dial, a feature that some contemporary accounts considered more exclusive than the center-seconds found on its sibling reference, the 2577. The Seamaster 2576 represents a key transitional piece, showcasing Omega’s adaptation of wartime technology for a versatile “town, sea, and country” timepiece.  

Specifications

Key Details & Variations

• Variations (Sub-References): The Seamaster 2576 is a family of models with numerous sub-references, including CK 2576 (the general Omega designation for early stainless steel models ), 2576-4 , 2576-5 , 2576-6C , 2576-8 , 2576-10 , 2576-11 , 2576-13 , 2576-14H , and 2576-15. These sub-references often denote subtle differences in case execution, dial design, or the specific bumper caliber used. Notably, some 2576 sub-references, such as the 2576-4, 2576-5, and 2576-15, are associated with “beefy lugs” or “fat lugs”—thicker, more sculpted lugs also famously found on the sister reference 2577.  
• Correct Dial: Original dials for the Seamaster 2576 were typically white or silver, which often patinated over time to shades of cream, warm amber, or “egg yolk”. Black dials also existed, though some market examples are restored. Highly sought-after textured “honeycomb” or “waffle” dials are a distinctive feature of some 2576 models. Applied hour markers varied, including “shark tooth” , dagger-style , Art Deco 3-9-12 layouts , “Explorer” style (Arabic 3, 6, 9) , Breguet numerals , or a single Arabic 12. Luminous material was radium, aging to a creamy or brownish hue. A key characteristic is the sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, sometimes with a crosshair design. Early examples (pre-1950) often lacked the “Seamaster” text on the dial.  
• Correct Hands: Dauphine hands were commonly used, often filled with radium luminous material that should match the aging and color of the dial’s lume plots.  
• Correct Case: The case was primarily stainless steel, with gold-capped steel and solid gold versions also produced. Typical diameter was 34-35mm. A screw-down case back, often with circular brushing, was standard. Some early examples featured drilled lugs. The common lug width was 18mm. “Beefy” or “fat” lugs with well-defined bevels are a notable feature on certain sub-references , while some early drilled-lug versions lacked bevels.  
• Correct Crown: An original Omega-signed crown, with a logo style appropriate for the late 1940s/early 1950s, is expected.  
• Correct Crystal: The original crystal was acrylic (Plexiglass). Some original Omega acrylic crystals featured a tiny, centrally etched Omega logo.  
• Movement: The Seamaster 2576 was powered by Omega’s early automatic “bumper” movements, predominantly the Caliber 342 or Caliber 344.  
• Original Strap/Bracelet: Most commonly retailed on leather straps with an Omega-signed buckle. Omega’s vintage database also lists “Bracelet (vintage)” as an option for the CK 2576. “Beads of Rice” (BoR) style bracelets, sometimes by Gay Frères, with straight end links, are associated with some 2576 models, particularly those with an 18mm lug width.  

Additional Details

• Movement (Omega Caliber 342/344): These “bumper” style automatic movements typically featured 17 jewels, a power reserve of around 42 hours, and operated at 19,800 vph. The Caliber 342, used in early Seamasters, evolved from the Omega 28.10 RA PC and featured concealed buffer springs. The Caliber 344, while also a chronometer-grade bumper movement, may have seen some cost-saving measures in finishing compared to the Caliber 343 (the sub-seconds counterpart to the Caliber 352, which shared lineage with the 342). This could mean slightly less elaborate finishing on components like winding wheels and the use of a simpler swan-neck regulator in the 344 compared to the “Omega System” regulation potentially found in movements aligned with the 342/343 lineage. The bumper mechanism itself, where an oscillating weight “bumps” off springs, is a distinctive feature of these early automatics.  
• Market Valuation and Collectibility: The Omega Seamaster 2576 market values range widely, from several hundred to several thousand US dollars, depending on condition, originality, and specific features. Highly prized are examples with original, untouched dials, especially those with rare configurations like “honeycomb” texture , “Explorer” (3-6-9) layouts , or Breguet numerals. “Beefy lug” cases and original Omega “Beads of Rice” bracelets also significantly enhance value. Median auction values for Seamaster 2576 models have been noted around $830-$840, but exceptional pieces command much higher prices.  
• Authentication: Key authentication points include dial originality (avoiding redials with incorrect fonts or lume ), correctly aged radium lume (creamy/brownish patina on dial and hands ), sharp case lines (beware of over-polishing ), period-correct signed Omega crown , correct movement caliber (342/344) with matching serial number for the production period , and potentially an acrylic crystal with a tiny central Omega logo. Consistency across all parts is crucial to avoid “Frankenwatches.”  
• Ownership and Care: Treat a vintage Seamaster 2576 with care. Its original 30-meter water resistance is no longer reliable; avoid water exposure. Protect it from extreme temperatures and magnetic fields. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended. Bumper movements require specialized servicing by experienced watchmakers due to their unique construction and potential wear points. Spare parts for these nearly 70-year-old movements can be scarce.  
• Historical Context and Legacy: The Seamaster 2576 is a foundational model from Omega’s centenary year, marking an early and significant step in the Seamaster collection’s long history. It reflects post-war innovation by adapting military-proven water-resistance technology (the O-ring gasket) for a versatile and elegant civilian dress watch. Its classic 1950s design, the unique feel of the bumper automatic movement, and the variety of available dial and case styles contribute to its enduring collector appeal.