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The 1950s were arguably the Golden Age for Omega, a decade where the brand solidified its reputation for producing robust, elegant, and mechanically superior timepieces. While the Seamaster line was born in 1948 as a gentleman’s “waterproof” watch, by the mid-50s it had evolved into something substantial. This specific reference, the 2846-2848, is affectionately known by collectors as the “Beefy Lug” Seamaster. It represents a sweet spot in design, bridging the gap between the dressier, petite watches of the 1940s and the sportier, professional instrument watches that would arrive in the 1960s.
At the heart of this piece is the Caliber 490. This movement is significant as it belongs to Omega’s early family of full-rotor automatics, a technological leap forward from the earlier “bumper” movements. The Caliber 490 is a sub-second movement, giving the dial a classic, balanced layout that feels slightly more formal and old-world than the center-seconds variants. The case architecture is undeniable; the thick, chamfered lugs give the watch a presence on the wrist that defies its 34mm diameter, making it feel muscular and purposeful, a true “daily driver” of its era.
This particular example is a testament to the concept of “wabi-sabi” the appreciation of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. The dial has transitioned from its original factory cream to a wild, heavy stippled patina that resembles parchment or stone. This isn’t a safe queen; it is a survivor that has lived a full life. The applied hour markers and Dauphine hands show oxidation that matches the dial’s intensity, creating a cohesive, monochromatic vintage look. The watch is paired with a steel “Beads of Rice” bracelet, which is, in our opinion, the most comfortable bracelet design ever made. It drapes over the wrist like fabric and elevates the watch from a simple accessory to a piece of jewelry.
While the aesthetic is heavily weathered, the engine remains impressive. The Caliber 490 movement inside is clean and correct, showcasing the warm, copper-beryllium plating that Omega is famous for. The case retains the definition of those signature thick lugs, and the “Seamaster” and “Waterproof” engravings on the caseback are still legible, a detail often lost to over-polishing.
