First-gen Omega Seamaster Chronometre, ref. 2577 with the legendary cal. 352

SOLD 
€ 1690
Posts
3,179
Likes
12,469
Hello everyone,

sometimes, the life outside of the beautifully nerdy watch-world requires some monetary attention, so I'll have to let go a watch or two, I'm afraid. Those of you who know me a little will be aware that nice 2577s don't leave my hands easily, but here we are.

IMG_1072.JPG

The 2577 – Where It All Began

For those of you who aren’t familiar, the ref. 2577 was the first ever Seamaster reference, released in 1948 (allegedly). It was a time in which Omega seemed keen to experiment, most notably with the dial layouts. While the first year or so of production didn't get to wear the Seamaster name on the dial at all, around late 49/early 1950 those Seamasters started to wear their name proudly. Regular versions had the name on the top half of the dial until Omega settled with a position in the bottom half, but for the uncommon chronometer-versions, it was slightly more complicated. Configurations seem all over the place, and this one is a very unusual example with Seamaster at the top, but the "chronometre"-line, correctly spelled in French, at the bottom. Another feature that sets this one apart is the movement: While, in the early 50s, Omega introduced a less complicated chronometer-version of their cal. 354, the early examples - like this one - carried the coveted cal. 352 with its famous excenter regulator. And to top it off, the watch offered here also comes with the special order luminous package. I think it's fair to say it won't be easy to find another one like it.

If you want to read more about the reference, I've wrote down some details here. Feel free to compare this 2577 to my notes for correctness :)


IMG_1074.JPG


The Watch

Omega Seamaster
Reference: 2577
Movement: cal. 352 “bumper” automatic, chronometer certified, excenter regulator
Serial: 12337789
Year: ca. 1951
Case: 34.5mm, stainless steel
Dial: Original two-tone dome dial
Strap & buckle: Pig-leather with the period-correct 16mm Omega buckle

...but it can wear pretty much anything, really:

IMG_1225.jpg

Condition

Dial & Hands: The original dial is in overall good shape. In the close-ups, you'll see minute degradation, please note those are taken with a 50x magnifier. Hands and indices don't show significant deterioration, the color-difference of the two-tone dial is sharp and present. There's a bit of discoloration pretty evenly in the center that can be seen in some angles. I've tried to highlight this in the pictures, it's much less significant on the wrist. French "chronometre" spelling, as is expected from that period, all the writing is clearly legible and present. Positioning of the "Seamaster" and the "Chronometre" etc is uncommon but completely correct for this serial range.

Case: Original 34.5mm "beefy lug" case in stainless steel. Correct case style for the serial range, it wasn't until later than Omega changed to the thicker, bevelled lugs on those 2577s. The lugs are sharp, so is the edge of the bezel. The original brushing on the side remains there, which is unusual: It came only ever so lightly brushed from the factory, so that most pieces have lost this beautiful contrast to the (originally) polished front. Small scratches, dings etc. everywhere, as you'd expect after >70 years. The case back is also sharp, including the original circular brushing, with only two very small "idiot marks" from failed opening attempts. 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. My personal highlight are the backsides of the lugs, which are fully intact with their brushing. This one has never been on a bracelet before.

Crown: Original, period-correct "clover"-style crown with the flat feet Omega logo you'd expect to see. It sits perfectly and has a fresh gasket.

Crystal: Original Omega plexi in good condition. Do note it's not the one the watch was delivered with 73 years ago, I had it replaced by my watchmaker.

Movement: Original cal. 352 bumper automatic, chronometer certified. The movement is in great shape, visually and mechanically. I do not have a service history, however it ran so well when I got it (and it still does) that my watchmaker merely exchanged the gaskets for my sake of mind. Winds, sets, runs smoothly.

Strap & Buckle: I had Matteo from Torrestraps produce this grey strap in the style of Omega straps from the period, might have worn it 5 times since new. It's 16mm at the buckle to accomodate the original, period-correct buckle to match the watch. The combination was ~200€, I'll include them in this deal.



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.

I’m asking

1690€ / 1890$

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.

IMG_1089.JPGIMG_1075.JPGIMG_1076.JPGIMG_1077.JPGIMG_1078.JPGIMG_1079.JPGIMG_1080.JPGIMG_1081.JPGIMG_1082.JPGIMG_1083.JPGIMG_1084.JPGIMG_1085.JPGIMG_1086.JPGIMG_1087.JPG

And a couple close-ups:
IMG_1194.JPGIMG_1197.JPGIMG_1199.JPGIMG_1201.JPGIMG_1202.JPGIMG_1203.JPEGIMG_1208.JPGIMG_1209.JPGIMG_1210.JPGIMG_1211.JPG

And finally, another shot taken on the wrist in the sunshine:

IMG_1226.jpg

Any questions? Let me know!
 
Posts
8,685
Likes
44,700
Great watch from one of OF’s best members and a very reliable seller. Grab it while you can because it won’t last long.
 
Posts
314
Likes
416
An exemplary listing and a beautiful piece - no wonder that lasted about 5 mins...congrats to buyer
 
Posts
277
Likes
353
This is one of those times when the time spent creating a very well structured sale’s post takes longer than actually selling the watch :)
 
Posts
1,318
Likes
5,030
Great watch, great seller, supernice listing to read. Huge congrats to the happy buyer and seller!