Owner review: Omega Seamaster 2635-6

Omega Seamaster 2635-6

Omega is a brand that needs an introduction as badly as Elvis Presley did going on stage. That being said, not many know about the early roots of Omega’s longest produced line. Today, here I present to you a 1950 Omega Seamaster 2635-6 unbranded.

Unbranded? Huh? Yes some Seamasters didn’t have the word printed back in their conception and most models didn’t have a seahorse on the caseback until 1956. In fact the precursor to the Seamaster was a watch presented by Omega to the British Royal Navy (RN) for its officers. The British RN demanded a watch that was robust and accurate as well as classy and water resistant. With anti shock tech added to the balance and a robust design as well as the triple seal water resistant tech (caseback gasket, crown o-ring and acrylic expanding crystal) the Seamasters dad was the perfect watch for the RN. But enough of that, let’s talk about this prime example.

The Omega Seamaster 2635-6 sports the 351 bumper automatic. It is an awesome movement and is a conversation started amongst enthusiasts. The only thing you need to get used to is the sudden bump when you least expect it. This one was an eBay find and needed a setting lever spring and mainspring. After a service with the replacement parts (all genuine omega) It now runs at +8 secs a day, not bad for a 72 year old watch.

Omega Seamaster 2635-6

The case is full stainless with drilled lugs making it easier to swap out straps. The dial is a thing of beauty with it’s pre-pie pan look and those propeller hands. The blue second hand demands your attention when ogling it’s magnificence. Also let’s not forget the 12 numeral standing out amongst the rest of the high polished indices.

The Omega Seamaster 2635-6 was originally advertised as a watch for “town, sea and country”. Elegant enough for a night on the town all dressed up, water resistant enough for the sea and robust enough for work. It was effectively a one and done watch.

I’m a vintage watch collector, the sizes of vintage watches from this era are mainly around the 32 – 36mm range. The Omega Seamaster 2635-6 is a 35mm watch. It feels great to wear and runs well so what’s to complain about?

With an 18mm lug width it’s easy to find straps and I had this one tailor made by Artisan Straps in Sydney. It’s a brown calf skin with beige stitching to match the weathered dial. I also managed to find a period correct buckle…. yay!!!

I have had the Omega Seamaster 2635-6 for about a year now and have received nothing but compliments from watch people and “normal people” alike.

If you are after a vintage Omega I recommend this watch. It has been nothing but fun, and if you are prepared to do some work looking, you will find them relatively cheap compared to other Omega models like the pie pan for example.

Omega Seamaster 2635-6

Being an old watch, I am told that I need to treat it with respect and baby it. I treat all my watches with respect but I also use them for their intended purpose. I have ensured that all the seals have been changed and the watch serviced. The crystal was changed out as the one it had wasn’t an original Omega. So it should be as water resistant as it was and as robust as it was when it was younger. Would I swim with it? Let’s get real, no definitely not. I wouldn’t swim with my OP let alone this but I’m not afraid to get it wet via rain or a splash here or there either.

So, are they worth the hunt? Yep.
Do they live up to their advertising? Heck yes.
Do I love mine? More then you can imagine.

I present you the Omega Seamaster 2635-6.

 

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One response to “Owner review: Omega Seamaster 2635-6”

  1. pippy Avatar
    pippy

    Excellent review, and beautiful watch!

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