Omega Seamaster De Luxe Ref. 14368 Cal. 501

mac_omega celebrates his 1000th post on WatchProSite by unveiling a rare vintage Omega Seamaster De Luxe Ref. 14368. This milestone post not only showcases a stunning timepiece but also highlights the vibrant community and the author's deep appreciation for vintage Omega watches. His detailed presentation invites fellow collectors to share their insights on strap versus bracelet choices for such a distinguished piece.

Hi friends,

time passes by rapidly and the number of posts approached the number 1000...

So it was a tough decision where to post it - on HOME, on Patek forum (as I also love vintage PPs) or here on Omega forum...

NOOO!  Not really!  But I think my home is here with you guys!

So I posted a special watch on PP forum for number 999 and number 1000 is going to happen here

I think it is a good reason to invite you to raise the glasses on our fabulous vintage oriented Omega forum and take a sip of good stuff with me!

I feel fine amongst you and I appreciate the cultivated and passionate discussion and the vast knowledge shared by you on this forum!

I like to be here and I am proud to be a contributing member of this forum.

However it was a tough call what to show you on this special occasion. Several themes came into my mind: 30 Rg chronometers, olympic SMs,

special rectangles (which I like a lot), early Cal. 30 and 30 SC T1, ....  was hard to decide, but there should be some topics left for the next 1000th posts.

I know that you are curious to "unwrap" the goodies with me... come on, lets have a look!

Most of you will know by the color of the leather what will show up soon - and the warranty booklet gives you a hint about the period

the watch was manufactured...

Sorry guys, NO  diving watch, NO Speedy, NO WD Railmaster   :-(

It is more dressy...

The picture does not unveil too much yet... we must go a little closer.

Now you know the facts, but the picture does not do the watch justice, we have to do a close up!

It is a rare De Luxe SM  Ref. 14368 in near mint condition inside and out.

It has the boldest dial I have ever seen on a dress version SM yet.

I found this watch on a cheap non original leather replacement strap, guess the original bracelet had been scrapped before.

So I started the hunt and found a NOS period Omega strap - see picture below.

I think it matches very well, but I had the original bracelet in my thoughts and the hunt was continued.

I have been lucky to find this bracelet on an ordinary gold SM and luckily the gold color matched perfectly.

Here is the watch with her leather "shoes".

I am torn between both options, this strap is period original NOS and matches well - on the other hand the De Luxe SM was sold with the

special pattern bracelet which is the icing on the cake.

Please let me know your thoughts!  What would you wear?  Bracelet in summer, strap in winter - a good solution, eh?

Now some case details, the hidden lugs from below...

The case still shows a lot of its factory finish - brushing (graining) and contrasting polished parts.

And finally here is the movement:

It is a full rotor Cal. 501 opposed to the earlier versions of the De Luxe SM Ref. 14324  which had the bumper Cal. 352

The 352 is more beautiful and desirable from the aesthetics: special regulator and the special finish of the wheels, but I do not like the bump when wearing these watches...

I prefer the smooth movement of the rotor...  I know, I know!  I am one of the few people who prefers the feeling of the rotor powered machine -

most vintage collectors want to feel the bump and are keen of this feeling... sorry not me...  but we all know, it is personal taste...

Hope you appreciate these watch as much as I do...

HAGWE

Erich