-DODIMEAD HOROLOGY-
-VINTAGE WATCHES-
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Omega Seamaster Ranchero ref: 2990-1 from circa 1958.
Manually wound cal. 267, 17 jewel movement.
The Omega Seamaster ref: 2990-1 was launched in 1958 and had a very short production run, finishing in 1960. This was due to poor sales and therefore these pieces are now highly coveted amongst collectors. Famously known as the ‘Seachero’, as they were part of the Ranchero line, they used the same 36mm case and manual wind movement.
I purchased this piece from a member of the original owner’s family, who had it stored in a drawer for over 30 years.
A Personal Note:-
The jumbo case on these just makes them the perfect size, even for those of you used to modern sizes. Simplicity, functionality & wearability.
Condition:-
This Seamaster is in very original condition, apart from the plexi crystal which was too far gone. This has been replaced for a brand new item. The case is in nice, honest shape, with the lugs remaining thick and displaying their original, wide bevels and I suspect this example has never been re-finished. Just well worn. The original radium dial paint finish is perfect. The yellow gold handset and markers have oxidised slightly but still look great.
As mentioned above, it has been fitted with a brand new plexi and a new rear seal.
Movement:-
There is no recent service history with this watch, although there is evidence of work done in the past, in the form of service markings inside the caseback. The manual wind cal. 267 movement however, is keeping good vintage time, with high amplitude and low B.E. The crown is functioning correctly.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, but due to its age, I will only offer 3 months extended warranty. And although this is a Seamaster, please don’t expect this watch to be waterproof.
*This piece will be supplied on a beautiful quality ‘The Strap Tailor’ strap & buckle of your choice.
Heuer Autavia 1163 GMT. Red Needles. Heuer Automatic Cal:14.
Original Gay Freres, beads-of-rice bracelet, stamped ‘4 71’.
- Freshly serviced.
This is a very rare piece from circa late 1971 or 1972, and from researching the serial, likely one of the last of this particular variant. It uses the updated Heuer Cal:14 automatic movement.
This variant is known for its distinctive red sub-dial hands, and was only produced for around 6 months. Reason being, is that it was soon apparent that these hands were difficult to see in red light by the pilots using them. A rather serious issue! These red hands were quickly replaced with black hands, making this variant extremely sought after.
This particular piece comes with a nice story, which I will briefly share-
This watch was purchased from the daughter of a garage owner, who some 40 years ago, took this watch as part payment for some work he carried out on a car. From then on it sat in a drawer, as his wife told him it was a piece of rubbish which needed throwing out! Last year, it went off to the vintage Heuer restoration team for a full overhaul. A year later, it’s almost as good as it was when it originally left the factory.
A Personal Note:-
Just look at that dial!!!! I need say no more. And I very much doubt you will find a better example. A very pretty movement hides within too.
Condition:-
This piece is in outstanding condition. Essentially, as new and unworn since its restoration. The black tritium dial is all original and in perfect condition. The tritium has developed a nice, deep cream patina. All glowing as one would expect under UV light and fading off quickly after exposure. The hands are all original to the watch and are also tritium, in great condition. They also lose their luminosity straight after being subjected to UV. The silver date wheel is original to the watch.
As indicated by the service paperwork, the head has received a new plexiglass, crown and pushers and the case/caseback are as new.
The bezel insert is the original item and is looking very nice indeed, with a little fading, but not too much. Many of these have been changed for inserts with lume pips, but this is what they would have come with originally.
The head comes with its original gay Freres beads-of-rice bracelet, stamped ‘4 71’ and is in almost as new condition. It also benefits from being full length.
It pains me to let this one go, because condition-wise, this is pretty much as good as it gets.
Movement:-
The beautiful Heuer Cal:14 is the updated version of the original automatic Calibre, and is running extremely well indeed. The crown and pushers all work as intended.
I personally guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale. This watch also benefits from being sold with the remainder of its 2 year manufacturer warranty. The paperwork corresponding to this warranty will be supplied with the watch.
Although this is a freshly restored watch, it is over 50 years old, so please don’t treat it as one which is waterproof.
A Piaget Tank ref.9284 in solid 18k yellow gold from the 1980’s, with manual wind cal. 9P1 movement.
- Freshly serviced.
This extremely elegant and sophisticated vintage Piaget Tank, embodies the refined aesthetics and technical craftmanship Piaget is renowned for. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, its clean, rectangular case reflects the timeless charm of the tank design.
A personal note:-
A beautiful piece for a Gentleman or a Lady. Super sleek and petite, but even so, packs a punch. Classy too.
Condition:-
The 18k case is in nice, carefully worn condition and may well have been polished at some point in its life. However, all the hallmarks are present and clearly defined. The dial has a lovely warmth and is showing a little age related patina. The silver hands are also showing a little age. Lastly, these piece comes with its original solid 18k buckle, also in nice condition.
Movement:-
The legendary ultra-thin manual-winding Caliber 9P1, measuring just 2mm in thickness, was a technical achievement that defined Piaget's excellence when launched in 1957. It was the thinnest manual-wound movement ever made for wristwatches, and its 20.5mm diameter was much larger than the standard, therefore allowing for larger cases.
There was no service history at the time of purchasing this watch, but it was keeping good time, even if the amplitude was on the low side. Therefore, we have just replaced the mainspring and have given the movement a clean. We now have some healthy results on the Timegrapher. The crown operates as it should do.
Regarding these movements in general, I have found them, even when serviced, to be slightly erratic. However, as a vintage collector myself, I tend to wear my watches without super accurate timing being the main focus. Some will of course think differently.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and offer a 3 month extended warranty. Please don’t expect this watch to be waterproof.
*The black strap shown in the pictures on this listing will be supplied with this watch. It is new and is a beautiful 'The Strap Tailor' Slimline Saffiano, hand-made leather strap in a 125/75 size, and will be fitted with the original solid 18k Piaget pin buckle. Due to the lack of lug room on these pieces, this strap has to be made to order accordingly, with a very thin lug fold, and is not available off the shelf. If you would like one in a different colour in addition to this black one, this can be arranged at an additional cost.
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