Omega Ref. 13322 9kt Gold c.1955
Omega Ref. 13322 9kt Gold c.1955
Here we have classic Omega handwind with a beautiful dial and appealing overall design. That should sell itself, right?
Well, this piece happens to be a 1950's UK import watch. Manufactured during a span that constituted some of Omegas finest production and achievements, this 1955 model sports a 9 karat gold Dennison case -- also a time when Dennison happened to be making some of the finest gold watch cases in the UK. For much of the previous century there were import restrictions on higher valued items in many countries throughout the world; the United Kingdom was no exception. Some manufacturers, such as Omega, sought to get around these limitations by having a local company case their bare movements in domestically made, primarily solid gold, cases. This case shows the full import codes of the Birmingham, England assay office, along with the 9 karat stamp and ALD initials (Dennison's founder, Aaron Lufkin Dennison). Less expensive than the 18kt pieces but superior to the gold plated watches being sold, these 9kt Omegas filled a desirable spot in the lower high-end lineup of Omegas at the time.
With this piece, you aren't just getting a high quality time piece, but a historical piece in its own right. It's also beautiful to boot -- what more could you ask for?
Omega cal. 266 serial number = 14,553,219 = circa 1955
Dennison case, Birmingham assay mark "G" = circa 1956
This watch was received by Dennison and cased for sale in 1956.
- Movement: Omega 266, 17 jewels, 18,000bph
- Case: Dennison (Birmingham, UK) 9 karat gold case
- Powered: Mechanical - Handwind
- Case Width: 33.5 mm (36+mm incl. crown)
- Case Length: 40.5 mm
- Lug Width: 18 mm
- Thickness: 10mm
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Crown: Unknown, possible replacement
- Band: 17mm Hirsch camel grain leather & gold colored bracelet
- Boxes: N/A
Function - This watch is wound by hand. It is recommended to wind the crown 10-15 times to typically give a power reserve to last throughout the day. If you do fully wind the watch, stop when you begin to feel tightness in winding pressure.
[All vintage watches are expected to function as described. However, due to age and generally unknown service history (unless otherwise stated), these watches may not keep time as accurately as new or quartz (battery) watches. This is completely normal and does not indicate that there is a major problem. Like your automobile, all mechanical watches will likely need to be serviced at some point in time. Please keep this in mind, as there is no guarantee regarding when these vintage watches may need standard maintenance. Every watch sold by Buying On Time is done so with the expectation that it is not currently in need of service or repair, unless noted. We guarantee that all watches sold are accurately described and in the stated condition when they leave our hands.]