Omega Seamaster 14363

The Omega Seamaster reference 14363 is a vintage wristwatch produced primarily in the mid-to-late 1950s, with 1956 being a frequently cited year of production, and examples appearing through to circa 1960. This model is part of the early Seamaster collection, which debuted in 1948, and represents a period when Omega blended robust, military-inspired watchmaking with evolving civilian elegance. The 14363 is typically characterized by a 34mm to 34.5mm case and is powered by Omega’s early full-rotor automatic movements, notably the Caliber 500 (17 jewels) and Caliber 501 (19 or 20 jewels). A key appeal for collectors lies in its varied and distinctive lug designs, such as “horned,” “bullhorn,” or “scarab” styles, and its availability in stainless steel, gold-capped, and solid gold cases.  

Specifications

Key Details & Variations

Variations

The Omega Seamaster 14363 is known for its diverse configurations:

• Reference Suffixes & Prefixes:
  • Suffixes like “-1 SC”, “-2”, “-3 SC”, “-6 SC” likely denote minor production variations in case or dial. “SC” most likely means “Seconde Centrale” (Central Seconds).  
  • “KO” prefix (e.g., KO 14363) indicates a gold-capped case over a stainless steel base.  
• Case Materials: Stainless steel, gold-cap on stainless steel, and solid 18kt yellow or rose gold.  
• Lug Designs: A significant area of variation, with styles described as “horned,” “bullhorn,” “scarab,” “fancy,” or “extended geometric” lugs, contributing greatly to the model’s collectibility.  
• Dial Colors and Features: Silver (sometimes two-tone), black (often with gilt text/markers), champagne, gold, and white. Some dials feature crosshair patterns.  
• Movements: Primarily Caliber 501 (19 or 20 jewels, some chronometer certified) or Caliber 500 (17 jewels, generally not chronometer certified).  

Correct Dial

• Markings: Signed “Omega,” “Automatic,” and “Seamaster.” “SWISS MADE” typically at the 6 o’clock position.
• Indices: Applied hour markers, often gold. Styles include faceted batons, and Arabic numerals (sometimes Breguet style) at the quarter hours (3, 6, 9, 12).  
• Lume: Original Radium lume on hands and often as dots with hour markers, which patinates over time.  
• Crosshairs: Some dials, particularly gilt versions, feature a crosshair pattern.  

Correct Hands

• Style: Commonly Dauphine hands.  
• Material/Lume: Often gilt or matching the dial markers, sometimes with Radium luminous inserts.  

Correct Case

• Shape and Dimensions: Typically 34mm-34.5mm diameter (excluding crown), lug-to-lug around 43mm, thickness approx. 10.3-11mm. Lug width is 18mm.  
• Lug Styles: Highly varied and distinctive, including “horned,” “bullhorn,” and “scarab” designs.  
• Case Back: Press-in or snap-on type, often engraved “Seamaster” and sometimes “Waterproof.” The Seamaster Hippocampus logo may appear on later 1950s examples.  
• Crown: Original Omega-signed crown.
• Internal Markings: Inside case back should have Omega Watch Co. markings, reference number (e.g., 14363-1 SC), and material indication (e.g., “ACIER INOXYDABLE” or gold hallmarks).

Additional Details

The Seamaster 14363 is powered by Omega’s first-generation full-rotor automatic movements:

• Omega Caliber 501: 19 or 20 jewels, 19,800 vph, approx. 46-hour power reserve, Incabloc shock protection. Some variants were COSC certified. Produced circa 1955-1960.  
• Omega Caliber 500: 17 jewels, 19,800 vph, approx. 46-hour power reserve, Incabloc shock protection. Generally not COSC certified. Produced circa 1955-1960.  
• Both are known for their copper-colored plating and reliability if well-maintained.  

Original crystals were Plexiglass (acrylic), often featuring a tiny, centrally etched Omega logo as an authenticity mark.  

The Omega Seamaster 14363 is a collectible vintage watch appreciated for its mid-century design, reliable early automatic movements, and diverse lug styles.

• Value Factors: Condition (especially dial and unpolished case with sharp lugs), originality of all parts, case material (solid gold highest, then gold-capped, then steel), rarity of dial configuration (e.g., black, Breguet numerals), and distinctive lug styles (“horned,” “scarab”) are key drivers.  
• Price Range: Varies widely. Stainless steel models can range from approximately $800-$1,500+, while gold-capped and solid gold versions, or those with rare features, can command significantly higher prices, potentially $3,500 or more for exceptional examples.  

• Movement Verification: Confirm genuine Omega Cal. 500 or 501 with correct markings, copper plating, and period-appropriate serial number (15M-17M range for mid/late 1950s).  
• Case Markings: Check for correct Omega branding, reference number (14363 and suffix), and material indicators inside the case back.
• Dial and Hands: Scrutinize for crisp printing, correct Omega logo and script styles, and consistent aging of original Radium lume.  
• Crown & Crystal: Look for an original Omega-signed crown and potentially a signed crystal.