Omega 1952 Seamaster, White Honeycomb 3,6,9,12, 2577-11

“Acquiring my first grail and the automatic bumper movement.”

Why I Got It

In addition to my dressy numeral 12 Seamaster, I was looking for a more quintessential variant as a daily wear.

Though I normally prefer clean dials, I liked how this one aged with a slight patina around the edges. Paired with the waffle dial, the patina leans it more towards an everyday presence.

Historically, this watch very much represents the DNA of the original Omega Seamaster introduced in 1948. The case models CK 2577 (CK 2518 for the sub-seconds) were the closest to the first original 1948 and were used up until 1955.

Having said all that, what drew me in the most, were the silver 3,6,9 and 12 applied Arabic numerals.

How it Wears

These Seamasters are often classified as half-dress and half-casual, However, I’d say this reference leans casual and best paired with jeans and t-shirt. The masculine design and unpolished case gives off a ruggedness appropriate to its era.

This model has the original 1948 bumper movement. Though it might not be as efficient in winding, there’s a certain charm in the feel and sound of the bumping motion. Similar to a jangling bracelet, it creates a distinguished vintage wearing experience.

The lugs, white dial, and oversized crown give this watch a commanding presence, making it best suited for wrists ranging from 5.5″ to 6.25″. The downward-sloped lugs create a visual hug on my wrist, but those on the larger wrist size should try one on before buying.

What to Look For

As I’ve covered most of this material in my Seamaster 12 post, here I’ll instead focus how I searched for the reference number and  the bumper automatic movement.

Searching for the Reference Number

I started by using image search for Google and Bing, where you upload a picture of your Grail watch. This helped me narrow down the overall reference number to S577.

Though the Omega Database did not have the exact model, it gave a fair reference point, notably the movement possibly being a 351 or 354.

If you know how to open your watch, additional details are often on the base back and movement itself. This watch’s case back read “2577-11 SC”, which breaks down to,

2577 – Confirmation of the model also known as reference number.
11 – Dial configuration, design, or other aesthetic details.
SC – Stands for “Seconde Centrale” meaning centre seconds as opposed to small seconds.

In some cases, watches made until the early 1960s, the material codes written to proceed ahead of the 4 digit reference:

• CK/MI – Steel
• OT/OJ – Solid Gold
• KO – Gold Cap
• PK – Gold-Filled

The serial number on the movement confirmed the year of production to be in the range of 1952.

Finally to confirm the movement, you can sometimes find a number, but and in my case, I used image search to conclude it as a 351.

What’s an Automatic Watch

An automatic watch contains a movement that can self-wind by harnessing the wearer’s motion.

Omega Bumper Movements

The bumper, also known as the hammer movement, was invented in 1923 by John Harwood and is the first generation of automatic (self-winding) wristwatches. The key component was a rotor (oscillating weight) which swung back and forth within an arc, limited to 300 degrees, by spring bumpers on each side — the rotor’s kinetic energy powered the watch by winding the mainspring.

The bumper design was necessary because, at the time, watch movements could only be wound one way. With this limitation, it was necessary to have a ratchet mechanism optimized with a restricted arc. The rotor would then swing against the bumpers which guaranteed engagement with the ratchet wheel teeth that only rotated in one direction.

It was in 1931, that Rolex iterated on this design and patented the current generation of central rotor automatics. Rolex introduced reverser gears (allowing the mainspring to be wound in both directions) and with that, a full 360-degree rotor. However, the basic mechanics (movement transferred to an oscillating weight connected to gears to wind) largely remained the same.

Due to Rolex’s patent which expired in 1948, bumper movements continued to be improved and produced by other watch manufacturers. In Omega’s history, bumper movements were introduced with the calibre 28.10 in 1943 with the last calibre 355 produced up to 1962. In parallel, Omega introduced their first full-rotor movement, the calibre 470 in 1952.

Ins and Outs of Bumper Purchases

There is some FUD (fear uncertainty and doubt). This is largely driven by forum posts stating that bumpers have more wear and tear and are harder to service. However, bumpers are a great value proposition, especially in the context of practical everyday wear and their historical significance.

The reality is that there is not a significant difference in the context of vintage watches in daily wear.

Under the Loupe

The 2577 reference was produced in large quantities between 1948 to 1955. Perhaps because of the era of change, you will find, a staggering diversity of dials, movements, case backs and crowns. This is a great reference to start with, as you will likely find something that suits your tastes.

I had this watch serviced in Dec 2023 by Illya, Gold Time Horology known for his stellar reputation in handling vintage watches. I was not disappointed.

Illya sourced me a brand new Omega signed domed crystal, replaced the crown (with my used but better condition spare) and gave sound guidance on what changes to avoid. Illya was also nice enough to send me pictures of the watch opened up to see the movement.

The caliber 351 movement also hold an interesting historic point of interest as being part of the last bumper family of movements issued by Omega. The last iterations being the chronometer-certified 354 and 355 featuring a date complication.

The dial has aged gracefully with greyed radium lume plots on the applied arrow markers. The hands are without lume, but in this case, I feel better age-appropriate without. Do note, that a good watchmaker can restore with non-luminous and colour matched paste or scrapes from donor watches if you’d prefer.

The case has a well-worn patina and straight-forward lines (thin chamfers) with drilled lugs giving the watch a no-nonsense, casual presence.

I’m usually a “perfect” dial collector, but the imperfection in the honeycomb texture brings it all together.

Having said all that, what captivates me the most, are the silver 3,6,9 and 12 applied Arabic numerals.

Years Later

Now it’s 2024. Of my vintage Omegas, this Seamaster still tracks as my most worn daily. It’s a perfect combination of design, history and patina for casual wear.

Where to Buy

Unless you are an expert, I would strongly recommend against eBay. The risks involved with authenticity and condition can be significant.

If you are a first-time buyer in North America, take a look at the Omega Enthusiast from Canada. He offers some of the cleanest dials I’ve seen, and his photos are very representative, being taken in daylight. The watches are also meticulously serviced, warrantied, genuine and finally discounted – for life – for future services.

For the more Internet savvy, I recommend the Omega Forums private sales. The community culture and the presence of Omega specialists create an environment of learning, authenticity, and fair pricing. Buy the Buyer, and start by buying from senior, proven, forum members.

Finally, for a greater selection, often on these forums, you might also consider professional watch dealers. I’ve also had great vintage purchases from CoinWatchCo, Cape Town Vintage Watches, Horology Hour and Those Watch Guys.

This particular watch was purchased from Those Watch Guys.