Could anybody please help with any information about my 1961 14ct gold Cal 552 Seamaster apparently made for the American market that does not have a seconds/minute track on its very clean textured dial, which I find puzzling.

Secondly the case back lacks the Seahorse emblem which I understand was introduced in 1960 the year previous to the manufacture of this watch. Any information would be much appreciated.

 

I don't know the answer to your question but I've just found a Constellation online with no second/minute tracks on the dial at Jackmond. http://jackmond.com/collections/ome...6-constellation-18kt-white-gold-vintage-watch

 

While it doesn't answer your question really, it looks like the rotor is rubbing on the inside of the caseback, which means it'll need a service, although maybe this is old damage and it's since been fixed of course.

 

Hello and welcome.

The answer is "made for the American market". The cases were made in the US, by agents for Omega. They had a lot of latitude on how to design cases.

Secondly, I'm not sure if solid gold seamasters had the hippocampus (seahorse), and even if they did, this one could have been a 'presentation'watch - ie designed to have an engraving on the back for a retirement, etc.

 

I take back my point about US made. This was a Swiss made case.

 

Wouldn't it say Swiss made inside the case if that was the situation? I am curious how you can tell this case is Swiss made.

 

Thank you very much indeed for this information. It makes me smile to know that I am the proud owner of an Omega mystery watch ! Hopefully the mystery will be solved in the not too distant future. Thanks again.

 

The missing second tracks must make this very rare indeed. I've only ever seen one other Omega like that, which was the Constellation I mentioned earlier in the thread.