18k First-gen Omega Seamaster Chronometre "Plank Dial" with the legendary cal. 352

MtV

Hello everyone,

I shall continue. Here's another one of my beloved 2577s up for grabs for those who don’t shy away from patina. I hope we can keep it in the OF-family, as that’s where it’s been for quite a while. Here’s Kyle’s original sale post from 5 years ago:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/uncommon-18k-vintage-1950s-omega-seamaster-2577-chronometre-cal-352-plank-dial.98802/

Thread 'Uncommon 18k Vintage 1950s Omega Seamaster 2577 Chronometre Cal. 352 Plank Dial' ·

Asking $2850 shipped US

Up for sale is a very uncommon Seamaster 352 Chronometre with a Plank dial. It is 18k Gold, and while the case is not unpolished, it is in very good condition with thick...

FS

kyle L · Jul 19, 2019

While the example offered a couple days ago stands out for borrowing a Constellation design feature – the arrowhead indices – this one does something similar, but took inspiration from the late 40s/early 50s Chronometers, which regularly featured such „plank dials“. They proudly carry the company name elevated above the rest of the dial, on a, well, plank.

On 2577s, only a very few of the uncommon chronometer-versions were ever produced with this little perk, and this one comes with the coveted cal. 352 and its famous excenter regulator.

If you want to read more about the reference, I've wrote down some details here:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/show-us-your-2577-seamaster-and-a-little-introduction-to-the-reference.153541/

The Watch

Omega Seamaster
Reference: 2577
Movement: cal. 352 „bumper“ automatic, chronometer certified, excenter regulator
Serial: 12274513
Year: ca. 1951
Case: 34.5mm, solid 18k gold
Dial: Original two-tone „plank“ dial, non-luminous
Strap & buckle: Brown, hand-made strap from Matteo / Torrestraps, including an original Omega buckle.


Condition

Dial & Hands: Well. It’s not mint, is it 😁 Still: Fully original, very uncommon „plank“ dial that’s simply a cool thing to behold. Two-tone finish, which, just like the writing, is fully preserved. The inner circle has aged to a deep, deep yellow. There are marks and discoloration everywhere, as you can see, most notably around the outter edge near the tension ring and in the very center, sometimes covered by the hands. I’ll include 50x close-ups further down. The text, all on the top half of the dial with the French „chronometre“ spelling is unusual, but fully correct for the serial. The hands are in good shape, the blued second hand is a beautiful bonus.

Case: Original 34.5mm „beefy lug“ case in 18k solid gold. Correct case style fort he serial range, those solid gold cases were sort of in between the 2 variants of SS cases in terms of lug thickness. Do note they did not have bevels, so there is nothing missing here. The case is pretty sharp, even the small edge on the bezel is still there. Small scratches and dings everywhere, as you’d expect after >70 years. Some „idiot marks“ from failed opening attempts on the case back. Do note that this is the correct case back style for this case and serial, and it never came with the "SEAMASTER" and "WATERPROOF" inscriptions that later 2577s saw. Correct hallmarks at the side of the case and the back of a lug.

A word regarding the discoloration: This builds up slowly over the years and personally, I love it. However, should you want the case clean and nice, all you need is a 5$-gold cloth from amazon, give it a gentle wipe and there you are. No polishing needed, no material will be removed. It’s a matter of personal choice. Alternatively you can ask me and I’ll do it for you. To see how the case looks without discoloration, check Kyle’s original sale post.

Crown: Original, period-correct "clover"-style crown with the flat feet Omega logo you'd expect to see.

Crystal: Original, period-correct Omega plexi with the etched-in, flat feet logo in the middle.

Movement: Original cal. 352 bumper automatic, chronometer certified. The movement runs, sets and winds smoothly, however I do not have a service history. Light discoloration of the (original) rotor, which happens.

Strap & buckle: Comes on a beautifully soft, handcrafted, brown Torre-strap as depicted and with an original Omega buckle. No hallmarks on the buckle, so it won’t be solid gold. This style, which I find quite attractive, is UK production, if I’m not mistaken.



Seller Reviews

Plenty reviews available here, but either my username is too short to use the search function for that or I’m not handling the forum software eloquently enough, which is entirely possible. Anyway:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/seller-mtv-is-the-absolute-best.145752/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-an-absolute-gentleman.132595/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-fantastic-seller.150494/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/big-chuck-up-to-mtv-for-a-smooth-transaction.134417/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-perfect-seller-and-a-gentleman.129023/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-wonderful.162085/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv...t-seller-for-those-who-would-not-know.138044/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-from-mtv-couldnt-be-better.139930/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-wonderful-transaction-with-mtv.129099/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-mtv-is-a-great-seller.129008/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-experience-with-mtv.128707/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/perfect-experience-buying-from-mtv.132194/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/pleseant-transaction-with-mtv.128563/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/smooth-transaction-with-mtv.125454/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.127615/#post-1724346
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-transaction-with-mtv.119998/#post-1603079
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-great-seller.115237/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1610885
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-brilliant-seller.119214/#post-1590116
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-recommended-seller.118712/#post-1581899
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1585630
https://omegaforums.net/threads/matt-mtv-is-a-terrific-seller.120993/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/many-thanks-to-mtv-great-seller.123761/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-a-very-good-seller.131177/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-highly-recommended.142834/

I’m also happy to provide verification through my eBay-account that has been standing for 20 years, with >2000 reviews, 100% positive. Please do ask.


Payment, Shipping & Returns

Payment is accepted via PayPal F&F, bank transfer, Wise or cash in person. Happy to meet you for a personal transaction, of course. Coffee’s on me.

A few words regarding pricing: The original asking 5 years ago was 2,850USD. I think I paid ~2650USD, which is what I’ll be asking. I believe this to be only slightly above parts value, as the case alone should be about half that in gold.

So:

2400€ / 2650$

The watch is located in Germany. Happy to ship pretty much anywhere, cost will be roughly:

EU/UK/CH: 15€
Rest of the world: 45€

No returns, please, unless I misrepresented the watch in any way.

And now, some pictures. Let me know if you require more or a certain angle I might have missed or a video.

A couple shots in direct sunlight, nevermind reflections of small, superficial scratches on the plexi. The yellow of the dial just pops, though:

Worst possible angle I could find for the discolorations at the edge of the dial:

And to the close ups. Here's one emphasizing the damage in the very center, often hidden by the hands:

That lovely plank:

Original crystal, as promised:

A closer look at those thick lugs:

The original crown:

A hallmark, as you'd expect:

And the proof that this is, indeed, an original buckle: