Omega Seamaster XVI Olympic 1956 ref. 2850

robertmei · 2026-02-28T10:39:08-0600

I'm looking at a vintage Omega Seamaster XVI commemorating the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (ref. 2850, 18k yellow gold case, Cal. 471 automatic). It's the commercial version with the Roman numeral "XVI" above 6 o'clock, champagne dial, faceted/cut hour markers.
The dial shows typical age-related spider cracking (hairlines, common on these lacquered dials from the era). Overall condition seems decent with some wear, small case dent, non-original strap.
These are collectible pieces, and while spider cracks are original/factory, I've noticed that cracked dials on vintage Omegas sometimes get refinished/redialed over the years to look "better," especially on desirable references like this one.
To those familiar with ref. 2850 / 1956 Olympic Seamasters:
Any red flags to watch for on a spider-cracked dial example that might indicate a redial (even if it looks aged)?
Specific tells in font/printing of "Omega" signature, "Seamaster", "Automatic", or the "XVI" appliqué/placement?
Lume plots, color/tone of the champagne dial, alignment issues, or other inconsistencies vs. known originals?
How do original spider-cracked dials typically age/appear compared to refinished ones?
Appreciate any insights from collectors who've handled or studied these—photos of the dial/markers would help if you have comparables, but general advice is great too. Thanks in advance!

gatorcpa · 2026-02-28T12:13:24-0600

I think you’ve hit the major tells in your description.

Here’s a link to Omega’s advertisement for the Seamaster XVI:

www.old-omegas.com/seaxvi.html

I really like your example. The case is pretty sharp. It has the correct 6-sided crown, which is not shown even on the brochure.

gatorcpa

SOG53 · 2026-02-28T12:19:02-0600

Here’s one I saw in Paris watch shop last year with original box
Lugs were quite polished Same coffin indices Minute markers a bit different than your example

mac_omega · 2026-02-28T14:53:36-0600

SOG53
Here’s one I saw in Paris watch shop last year with original box
Lugs were quite polished Same coffin indices Minute markers a bit different than your example

IMO this is not the correct box for the 1956 Olympic - seems to be a younger exampel for a different Olympic watch.

mac_omega · 2026-02-28T15:00:56-0600

robertmei
I'm looking at a vintage Omega Seamaster XVI commemorating the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (ref. 2850, 18k yellow gold case, Cal. 471 automatic). It's the commercial version with the Roman numeral "XVI" above 6 o'clock, champagne dial, faceted/cut hour markers.
The dial shows typical age-related spider cracking (hairlines, common on these lacquered dials from the era). Overall condition seems decent with some wear, small case dent, non-original strap.
These are collectible pieces, and while spider cracks are original/factory, I've noticed that cracked dials on vintage Omegas sometimes get refinished/redialed over the years to look "better," especially on desirable references like this one.
To those familiar with ref. 2850 / 1956 Olympic Seamasters:
Any red flags to watch for on a spider-cracked dial example that might indicate a redial (even if it looks aged)?
Specific tells in font/printing of "Omega" signature, "Seamaster", "Automatic", or the "XVI" appliqué/placement?
Lume plots, color/tone of the champagne dial, alignment issues, or other inconsistencies vs. known originals?
How do original spider-cracked dials typically age/appear compared to refinished ones?
Appreciate any insights from collectors who've handled or studied these—photos of the dial/markers would help if you have comparables, but general advice is great too. Thanks in advance!

It is a correct variant with the dotted minute track which is rather uncommon compared to the one with minute hashes.
And the case is well preserved and not overpolished as most which appear on the market.
My advice: buy it only when it is not too expensive, these watches are not rare, they show up from time time...
Caveat: if a dial has already so many hairline cracks it will not age well. You see there is already a piece of lacquer chipped away near the hour marker 5 and it will become worse I fear. This lacquer is already very brittle it seems.

Omega Seamaster XVI Olympic 1956 ref. 2850

robertmei

gatorcpa

SOG53

mac_omega

mac_omega

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