Omega Seamaster 2922

The Omega reference 2922 holds a distinct position within the extensive and storied lineage of the Seamaster collection. Introduced during a dynamic period of horological development in the late 1950s, the Ref. 2922 represents a specific evolution known as the Seamaster Calendar. It emerged as Omega continued to refine its automatic movement technology and expand the Seamaster’s appeal beyond its robust, water-resistant origins towards greater everyday practicality.  

The primary significance of the Ref. 2922 lies in its role as one of Omega’s early automatic Seamaster models incorporating a date complication. This feature, coupled with the inherent robustness associated with the Seamaster name since its 1948 inception, positioned the watch as a versatile timepiece suitable for a wide range of activities – embodying the “town, sea, and country” concept Omega marketed at the time. It represents a bridge between the utilitarian origins of the Seamaster, derived from military specifications, and the increasingly sophisticated demands of the mid-century civilian watch market. This report focuses exclusively on the Omega reference 2922, drawing upon available historical data and model specifications to provide a comprehensive overview.  

Specifications

Production Era and Historical Context

The Omega Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922 was primarily produced during a relatively narrow window, centered around 1957 and 1958. This timeframe is corroborated by multiple sources, including Omega’s own vintage watch database which lists the international collection year for the gold-capped variant (KO 2922) as 1957. Specific examples documented also align with this period, with movement serial numbers falling within the 11 million to 16 million range, consistent with Omega’s production between the mid-1950s and 1958. While related references like the CK 2849 Seamaster Calendar had a broader production span listed (1956-1962) , the available evidence points to the Ref. 2922 being concentrated in the late 1950s.  

This era was pivotal for Omega and the watch industry as a whole. Automatic winding technology was rapidly maturing, and manufacturers were increasingly incorporating practical complications like the date function to enhance appeal. Omega was at the forefront of automatic movement development, having introduced its first full-rotor automatic calibers (the 470 series) around 1955, followed shortly by the 500 series which powered the Ref. 2922. The Seamaster line, established in 1948 with robust water-resistance derived from wartime innovations like the O-ring gasket , provided the ideal platform for these new, convenient movements. The introduction of the Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922, therefore, signifies Omega’s strategic move to blend the Seamaster’s established reputation for durability and water resistance with the modern convenience of automatic winding and a date display. This catered directly to the growing post-war civilian market seeking reliable, functional, yet elegant timepieces suitable for diverse daily activities, effectively competing against other Swiss brands introducing similar feature sets.  

Case Specifications and Variations

The Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922 was offered in distinct case variations, primarily differentiated by material, denoted by Omega’s reference number prefixes used during that period.

• Reference Numbers and Materials:
  • The base reference 2922 typically designates the stainless steel model.  
  • The KO 2922 reference identifies the gold-capped version, featuring a layer of gold over a stainless steel base. The ‘KO’ prefix was part of Omega’s coding system used until the early 1960s, specifically indicating a gold-capped case. Listings sometimes describe these as “gold cased head, stainless steel back” , which accurately reflects the gold-cap construction.  
  • While related Seamaster references from the era were available in solid gold (often denoted by the ‘OT’ prefix, like the OT 14368 ), no provided sources confirm a solid gold OT 2922.  
  • Suffixes such as -2 SC or -2C are often seen appended to the reference number. These typically indicate minor revisions to the case or dial design over the production run, a standard Omega practice. The ‘SC’ likely stood for ‘Secondes Centrale’ (Center Seconds). While technically correct, as the Caliber 501/503 movements used are center-seconds movements, this suffix might seem redundant given the movement’s inherent design.  
• Dimensions and Design:
  • The case diameter is consistently documented as 34mm, a standard men’s size for the 1950s.  
  • The lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 41.6mm , contributing to its wrist presence.  
  • Case thickness is around 12mm to 12.25mm.  
  • The case shape is the classic round profile characteristic of 1950s Seamasters. While lug style isn’t explicitly detailed for the 2922, contemporary Seamasters like the reference 2846 often featured prominent, sometimes faceted, “beefy” lugs , which may also apply here.  
• Case Back:
  • The case back is confirmed as screw-in for the KO 2922 variant. Given the Seamaster’s emphasis on water resistance, a screw-in back was likely standard for the steel 2922 as well, offering superior sealing compared to press-in backs found on some other Omega models of the time. The robust construction was central to the Seamaster’s identity.  
  • Case backs typically feature the Seamaster name and potentially the Hippocampus logo, although the logo’s introduction around 1958 means very early 2922 examples might predate its use. Reference specifically notes a “Rare jumbo size Seamaster emblem case back” on a model 2922. “Waterproof” engraving was also common.  
• Water Resistance: The original water resistance rating was 3 bar (30 meters / 100 feet). It is crucial to note that this rating reflected resistance to splashes and incidental water contact by 1950s standards and does not equate to modern dive watch capabilities.  
• Crystal: The crystal used was Hesalite (acrylic). Period-correct Omega acrylic crystals often featured a tiny, almost invisible Omega logo etched in the center.  

The construction choices – the screw-in case back for better sealing, the use of durable stainless steel or the practical gold-cap option – underscore Omega’s intent for the Seamaster Calendar 2922 to be a reliable and presentable watch for the demands of daily life, aligning perfectly with the “town, sea, and country” ethos.  

Specification Summary Table: Omega Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922

Dial and Hand Characteristics

The dials of the Omega Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922 were designed with a focus on clarity and mid-century elegance.

• Dial Variants:
  • Colors: A silvered dial is confirmed for the reference 2922. Listings for gold-capped models sometimes mention champagne dials , which would be period-appropriate for a gold-accented watch. While related Seamaster references from the era (like the 2846) offered black or textured honeycomb dials , these are not explicitly confirmed for the reference 2922 in the provided materials.  
  • Markers: Applied hour markers were standard. The KO 2922 (gold-cap) model is specifically noted as having hand-rivetted gold hour markers , adding a touch of luxury. Stick-style markers are also mentioned. Applied metal Omega logos were typical for the period.  
  • Lume: Luminous material, likely radium given the 1957-58 production timeframe, would have been applied to hands and likely as small plots near the hour markers for low-light visibility.
  • Date Window: A key feature of the “Calendar” model, the date aperture was located at the 3 o’clock position.  
• Hand Styles:
  • Stick hands are explicitly mentioned for reference 2922.  
  • Dauphine hands, characterized by their faceted, tapering shape, were also very common on Seamasters from this period and could represent another original hand style or variation for the Ref. 2922.  
  • Earlier styles like alpha hands are less likely for this late 1950s model.  

The overall dial aesthetic balanced functionality – clear time indication and the practical date display – with the refined design language expected of a versatile Omega timepiece in the 1950s. The applied markers and choice of hand styles contributed to a look that was sophisticated enough for daily wear yet legible enough for practical use, aligning with the Seamaster’s adaptable identity.

Movement Analysis: Caliber 503 / 501

The heart of the Omega Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922 was primarily the Omega Caliber 503.

• Primary Caliber: Omega 503
  • This movement is consistently listed in Omega’s official vintage database for the KO 2922 reference and appears in numerous listings for Ref. 2922 watches.  
  • Specifications: The Caliber 503 is an automatic (mechanical) movement featuring center sweep seconds and a date complication. It typically contains 20 jewels. Its operating frequency is 19,800 vibrations per hour (vph), and it offers a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. Technical details include a lift angle of 49 degrees , a movement diameter of around 28mm , and likely features such as a swan neck regulator for fine adjustment (a feature distinguishing the 50x series from the earlier 47x series ) and Incabloc shock protection.  
  • Significance: The Cal. 503 belongs to Omega’s highly successful second generation of automatic movements equipped with a full rotor (winding bi-directionally), representing a significant technological advancement over earlier “bumper” automatics. Crucially, the Cal. 503 is the date-displaying variant of the Cal. 501 movement.  
• Consideration of Caliber 501:
  • Parts databases, such as those maintained by Jules Borel and EmmyWatch, link the base case number 2922 with Calibers 501, 503, and 505.  
  • The Omega Caliber 501, produced from 1956 to 1960 , shares the automatic winding and center seconds features but lacks the date complication.  
  • While components might be shared between the 501 and 503 due to their common architecture, the absence of a date function makes the Caliber 501 fundamentally incompatible with a watch designated and sold as a “Seamaster Calendar.” The consistent identification of the Ref. 2922 as a Calendar model strongly indicates that Caliber 503 was the intended and correct movement. The linkage in parts databases likely reflects the shared base movement rather than indicating that non-date Cal. 501 movements were routinely fitted into Calendar models. The Cal. 505, being a chronometer-certified version , would typically be reserved for Constellation models or explicitly marked Seamaster Chronometers, which the standard 2922 was not.  
• Comparison with Earlier Calibers: It’s important to distinguish the Cal. 501/503 from the earlier automatic Calibers 490 and 491. While the 490/491 were also part of the second-generation automatics introduced around 1956, they featured subsidiary seconds (sub-seconds) rather than the center sweep seconds found on the 500-series movements used in the Ref. 2922.  

Original Bracelet and Strap Options

The Omega Seamaster Calendar Ref. 2922 was typically offered with flexibility in its attachment to the wrist.

• Leather Strap: Official Omega database entries confirm that a leather strap was a standard offering for the KO 2922. Numerous vintage examples are also found on leather straps , suggesting this was the most common configuration as supplied from the factory. The correct lug width for the Ref. 2922 case is 18mm.  
• “Beads of Rice” Bracelet: While not explicitly confirmed as standard issue for the Ref. 2922 in the provided Omega database entries, the stainless steel “Beads of Rice” (BoR) style bracelet was a popular and period-correct option for Omega Seamaster and Constellation models during the late 1950s and 1960s. Omega offered these bracelets, often manufactured by specialists like Gay Frères , as optional upgrades. Given the 18mm lug width of the Ref. 2922, period-correct Omega BoR bracelets with 18mm end links, such as the Ref. 1502 or the No. 12 / Ref. 1037 , would have been compatible. Therefore, while perhaps not standard, it is highly probable that the Ref. 2922 could be originally acquired or later fitted with an authentic Omega Beads of Rice bracelet. These bracelets are known for their comfort and distinctive multi-row link design.  

Conclusion: Legacy of the Seamaster Calendar 2922

The Omega Seamaster Calendar reference 2922 stands as a significant model from the late 1950s, encapsulating Omega’s drive towards integrating enhanced functionality within its established watch lines. Produced circa 1957-1958, it featured the reliable Caliber 503 automatic movement, bringing the convenience of a date display to the robust Seamaster platform. Offered primarily in stainless steel (Ref. 2922) and gold-cap versions (Ref. KO 2922), its 34-34.5mm case with a screw-in back and Hesalite crystal maintained the Seamaster’s reputation for durability and water resistance suitable for everyday life.

The Ref. 2922 successfully bridged the gap between pure tool watches and elegant dress watches, offering a practical yet refined timepiece that appealed to the evolving tastes of the post-war consumer. Its combination of automatic winding, a date function, and the trusted Seamaster name made it a compelling offering in its time. Today, the Seamaster Calendar 2922 is a desirable vintage piece, representing a key moment in the evolution of one of Omega’s longest-running and most iconic collections.