Don't miss the next drop
The Omega Seamaster is an absolute legend, a cornerstone of the watch-collecting world. But within its storied history, certain references and configurations stand out as truly special. This early Seamaster from the 1950s, with its so-called “cross-hair” dial and incredible patina, is one of them. This isn’t just a watch; it’s a piece of art, a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived.
Launched in 1948 to celebrate Omega’s 100th anniversary, the first Seamasters were designed to be robust, water-resistant watches for “town, sea, and country.” They were based on the tough-as-nails watches Omega had supplied to the British military during WWII but were refined for civilian life. The Reference 2846, introduced in the mid-1950s, is a quintessential example of this evolution. It featured a substantial stainless steel case with thick, prominent “beefy” lugs and was powered by Omega’s fantastic 510 caliber. A robust, reliable, and beautifully engineered caliber that was the engine of Omega’s post-war success.
This particular Seamaster, a Reference 2846-1, is one of the most soulful and visually stunning examples we have ever had the privilege to handle. Its 34mm stainless steel case is in fantastic, sharp condition with its original chamfers still intact. But the dial is what will stop you in your tracks. The original silvered dial, featuring a classic “cross-hair” or sector layout, has aged into a spectacular “tropical” masterpiece. The surface has taken on an incredible, parchment-like texture with a warm, creamy, and even patina that is simply breathtaking. The elegant, cursive Seamaster signature floats above this incredible landscape. It’s a completely unique and organic tapestry of time, something that can only be created by decades of exposure to the elements.
This is the kind of honest, authentic aging that collectors dream of finding. The applied, faceted dart markers and the original dauphine handset have aged in harmony with the dial, taking on a dark, warm character. This is not damage; this is the poetry of a watch that has seen the world. It’s a survivor, a watch that tells a story of adventure, of moments lived, all captured on its incredible dial.
