1959 Omega Ref. 14773-1 SC Linen Dial C. 470

Omega’s output from the 1950s holds an almost mythical status. This was the brand’s golden age, a period when they flawlessly blended robust engineering with breathtaking design to create watches that were, and remain, the quintessence of mid-century style. While the Speedmasters and Seamasters often steal the limelight, it’s arguably the simple, time-only automatics like this stunning Reference 14773 that truly represent the soul of the company.

The post-war era was a time of immense optimism and technological advancement, and the Swiss watch industry was at its peak. The race was on to perfect the automatic, self-winding movement, and Omega was at the forefront. Powering this watch is the Caliber 470, one of the early full-rotor automatic movements developed by the house of Bienne. These were true workhorse calibers—reliable, accurate, and built to last for generations. They formed the bedrock of Omega’s reputation, powering the watches worn by professionals, tastemakers, and everyday connoisseurs around the globe. This was the machinery that made Omega a household name.

This particular example from 1959 is a masterclass in understated elegance. The first thing you’ll notice is the dial—a gorgeous, vertically-brushed “linen” texture that plays with the light in the most captivating way. It provides a subtle, sophisticated backdrop for the beautifully balanced quadrant layout, which features stylized applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. The sharp, faceted dart indices and original dauphine handset add a wonderful sense of depth and dimensionality, all rendered in a warm golden tone.

The condition of this piece is simply fantastic. Housed in a classic 34mm stainless steel case, the lines remain impressively crisp and the lugs well-defined, suggesting a life of careful wear. The dial has aged to a perfect, even champagne patina that is impossible to replicate. The original lume plots on the markers and within the hands have taken on a consistent, dusty hue that vintage collectors dream of finding. Paired with its original signed Omega crown, this is a truly honest and well-preserved survivor from a bygone era.