1956 Omega XVI Pink Gold History

Rogi · 2018-02-09T18:05:27Z

Discover the rare 1956 Omega XVI, the first public Olympic model. Rogi shares his journey to acquire this 18k pink gold vintage timepiece, its dial variations, and historical insights.

Rogi

WPS member · Omega forum

23 replies4705 views5 photos

Rogi shares his long-sought acquisition, the 1956 Omega XVI, a rare Olympic-themed timepiece. He delves into its fascinating history, dial variations, and the personal journey of finding this specific 18k pink gold variant with its original box, complete with an intriguing Extract of the Archives.

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The Olympics always brings out memories for me, but nothing short of always thinking about that one that always gets away, the first Olympic Model Omega, the 1956 Omega XVI (not counting the 1932 LA Omegas which weren't marketed to the public). This piece came in 18k Gold and 18k Rose/Pink Gold there are two dial configurations (type 1 with the Olympic Merit Medal with red Olympic rings or multicolor rings o the dial) or this piece with the type 2 dial with the "XVI" listed on the dial and no Olympic Merit Medal there were a couple variations on this type of dial. Both variations have the dial in enamel but due to a bad curing process they tend to deteriorate and crack easily, especially in tropical climates.

The 2nd type variations had the "Seamaster" on the dial, the script threw me off a lot as it ruined the look for me (think about a chronograph with date as an example for some members of that hate).

I've been searching for one for a while (since childhood) and was just glad to have added it, as throughout the years there was always something with each that made me pass.

My usual dealer came around and offered this piece a couple years ago, it was just a little more special in 18k pink gold as this variant is much rarer than regular 18k Yellow Gold. Plus its original Omega box (dare I say I was in love?).

I'm assuming the dial isn't original (no Seamaster script which is perfect

and my watchmaker cleared it as an Omega dial and that is fine with me it was meant for wearing and for the price I couldn't resist, it ticked all the boxes). The hands are most likely replacements (and the second hand) but it gives it a little bit more extra flair for me and I love it.

I ordered the Extract of the Archives right after receiving it and was stunned at the result, a nice piece of history to this piece. Please excuse me for the delay in posting more information about it, but I felt like today was finally the right time.

Delivered in 1957 to Lebanon ! It makes me wonder, with almost a year to the day to the Lebanon Crisis in 1958 was this sold to a prominent Lebanese citizen (the dial broken in the crisis or through constant wear and heat throughout the years) or could it have been bought at the airport and brought to its new home somewhere far away? Who knows the story is lost in time, and I can only speculate. I've tried since I've owned the piece to see if I can find any history from the Lebanese AD at that time but I couldn't source anything, everything seemed to fall through or else this update would have been a little larger.

The best thing, The case is also made in Switzerland, back in the day

Mandatory Wrist Shot

Thank you all for looking and for any comments, I hope you enjoy it.

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Key Points from the Discussion

The 1956 Omega XVI was the first Olympic model marketed to the public, available in 18k yellow or rose/pink gold with two main enamel dial configurations: one with the Olympic Merit Medal and another with 'XVI' on the dial.
Enamel dials on these models are prone to deterioration and cracking, especially in tropical climates, due to a bad curing process.
The existence of a 'mystery dial' variant with a unique dial and hand configuration, similar to one previously posted, suggests possible limited editions for dignitaries or unrecorded prototypes.
The original strap and buckle on Rogi's piece appear to be period-correct Omega issue, adding to the watch's originality.
Vintage watch stories enriched with context, history, photos, and origins, like this one, are highly valued by collectors.
Discovering a watch's history through an Extract of the Archives, despite the cost, can yield fascinating and unexpected results.

The Discussion

JToddH

Feb 9, 2018

Extraordinary survivor!

Congratulations on acquiring such a historic piece!

Rogi

Feb 10, 2018

Thank you my friend I toiled back and forth as when to present it but was glad this is the right time :D [nt]

Tim_M

Feb 9, 2018

This is sensational

The story, the watch, the accessories and the extract.. wow! These are the kind of vintage watch stories that I wish would be told more often: context, history, photos, origins - great stuff. Let's be glad that charming watches such as this stay below the radar and within the realm of loving collectors. And let the auction houses bid another round of vintage Rolex chronographs up to the stars for those who are inclined. Best, Tim

Rogi

Feb 10, 2018

My pleasure Tim and thank you for the wonderful comments

I hope so too, I think discovering their histories is one of those last steps in collecting. I wish it could be a little easier. Omega has made it interesting with the Extract of the Archives and although we do incur a cost for it, sometimes you can get very interesting results as is the case.

blomman Mr Blue

Feb 9, 2018

Very enjoyable! :)

Congratulation! A very nice piece of history have here! And great timing in bringing it out now! Thank you for this post. Best Blomman

Rogi

Feb 10, 2018

Thank you Blomman for your kind comments :) [nt]