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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Omega Seamaster XVI Melbourne Olympic Games Wristwatch

Partially verified

This lot features an Omega Seamaster XVI wristwatch catalogued with reference 2850 SC and an 18-karat pink gold case measuring 34 mm in diameter. The source states the self-winding watch contains automatic caliber 471 with movement number 14784725 and dates to circa 1954. Described as produced for the 1956 XVI Olympic Games of Melbourne, it features a lemon-yellow China lacquer dial with faceted hour indexes and an applied Roman numeral XVI above the six o'clock position. The auction house reports a push-back case embossed in high relief with the Olympic Cross of Merit, awarded during the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Front view of the Omega Seamaster XVI showing the dial, pink gold case, and strap
Front view of the Omega Seamaster XVI showing the dial, pink gold case, and strap — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
2850 SC
Catalogue / lot identifier
342
Source-reported date
circa 1954
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
11423005

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Description and Provenance

The timepiece is an Omega Seamaster XVI, described by the auction house as being produced for the 1956 XVI Olympic Games in Melbourne. It is noted as a 'very rare vintage' model, with the source claiming approximately 100 copies were produced to commemorate 25 years of timekeeping at the Olympic Games.

The watch features an 18-karat pink gold case with a push-back case back that is embossed in high relief with the Olympic Cross of Merit, an award from the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Evidence for this section
  • “A very rare vintage wristwatch - manufactured for the XVI Olympic Games of Melbourne in 1956.”
  • “Only about 100 copies of this model were produced”
  • “Case: 18 K pink gold, push back with embossing of the Olympic Cross of Merit in high relief.”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch displays a lemon-yellow China lacquer dial, described by the auction house as a 'Spider Web' dial. It includes gold-toned bevelled hour indexes and an applied 'XVI' marker positioned at the 6 o'clock location.

The source notes that while the dial has retained its appearance, it has developed hairline cracks over time. The watch also features bevelled elements on the winding crown and the downturned lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Lemon yellow lacquered "Spider Web" dial.”
  • “The dial features gold bevelled hour indexes; the applied "XVI", parts of the case, the winding crown and the downturned lugs are also decorated with a bevelled pattern.”
  • “This rare vintage piece comes with a lemon yellow China lacquer dial which has lost none of its charisma, despite having acquired some hairline cracks over time.”

Technical Specifications and Condition

The watch uses an automatic caliber 471 movement (numbered 14784725). The reference is stated as 2850 SC and the case number is 11423005.

The auction house reports the condition of the case and movement as 'very good', noting the movement is 'capable of running' but recommending cleaning. Leather straps provided in the catalog are for illustration purposes and are subject to restrictions for export outside of the EU.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm. No. 14784725, Ref. 2850 SC, Cal. 471, Case No. 11423005”
  • “Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.”
  • “Please note that leather straps made from endangered or protected species - such as alligator, crocodile, or lizard - are used in our catalogue or on our website for illustration purposes only. For customs-related reasons, such straps cannot be shipped outside the EU.”

Open research questions

  • Are there archival records to verify the claim that only 100 units of the Seamaster XVI were produced?
  • What are the specific technical definitions or provenance records for the 'Olympic Cross of Merit' embossing on Omega timepieces?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Seamaster XVI Melbourne Olympic Games Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference2850 SC“Ref. 2850 SC”
Calibre471“Cal. 471”
Movement Number14784725“Movm. No. 14784725”
Case Number11423005“Case No. 11423005”
Case Material18 K pink gold“Case: 18 K pink gold, push back with embossing of the Olympic Cross of Merit in high relief.”
Case Diameter34 mm“Dimensions 34 mm”
Estimated Eracirca 1954“circa 1954”

Visible details

  • Lemon-yellow dial with applied faceted hour markers and Roman numeral 'XVI' at 6 o'clock
  • Gold-toned dauphine-style hands and center seconds hand
  • Mounted on a textured tan leather strap with downturned lugs
  • Signed 'OMEGA' beneath the applied logo at 12 o'clock and 'Seamaster' above 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back embossing are not visible in the provided image
  • Source notes the lacquer dial has acquired hairline cracks over time
  • Strap shown may be for illustration purposes and subject to shipping restrictions

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

At Auction: Omega - Melbourne Olympic Games

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 142ecc3256

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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