I am back on the search for the latest and greatest Omega watches from Kibble watches. If you are ever in need of a pre-loved vintage watch, and in Clerkenwell, London then drop in for a look at their comprehensive selection of amazing watches.
Omega is of course a stand-out brand, known for consistently bringing stylish iconic watches to market that become extremely collectable. After some painstaking trawling through the Kibble watches site I have chosen my top 5.
To be honest, I could have easily picked another half a dozen. Kibble has a huge range and their 12 month warranty gives you confidence and peace of mind. So please, if you are looking for a vintage, pre-loved watch, then give them a call.
For now though, without further ado, my Top 5 Omega Watches from Kibble Watches...
1974 Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1000 "The Grand" 166.093
1974 Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1000 "The Grand" 166.093. Credit: Kibble Watches.
Starting off strong with one of my personal favourites, this one goes straight to the top of my wish list. The Omega Ploprof 1000 was known as “The Grand” due to its 1000m depth rating. There were only two versions made and only 450 in total were manufactured, making this a very rare watch.
The Ploprof name is derived from Plongeur Professionnel meaning "professional diver" in French. It’s not a small watch at 44.5mm in diameter; those huge sloping sides give this case a very distinctive look. When you see an Omega watch with an Orange hour hand, you know there is only one model it could be and it’s recognisable across the room. It can be a bit of a Marmite watch and as I love Marmite too, there is no point asking what camp I’m in.
It has a lot of wrist presence and as such will get you noticed for sure especially when worn with the Shark tooth bracelet. These can easily sell for over £8000.00, so if you do come across one, give it a proper look.
1964 Omega Speedmaster "Ed-White" Faded DON Bezel 105.003
Omega Speedmaster "Ed-White" Faded DON Bezel 105.003. Credit: Kibble Watches.
1964 Omega Speedmaster "Ed-White" Faded DON Bezel 105.003. Credit: Kibble Watches. Next up is the Speedmaster, or “Speedy”, in particular the 1964 Ed White edition, reference 105.003. For those who don’t know who Lt. Col Ed White was, he was the first US astronaut to complete the very first extravehicular spacewalk (EVA) during the Gemini IV mission in 1965. He wore this very model over his space suit during the mission.
The 39mm stainless case fits the wrist exceptionally well due to the lug curve. The chrono pushers sit on either side of the signed crown at 2 & 4 and the faded dial has the look of a watch that has been used and loved. The overall look of this watch for me is bang on, the ghost-faded bezel has worn equally well and adds to its charm. If you haven’t owned a Speedmaster, I would seriously consider checking one out. This may be a little on the expensive side at £9795.00, but boy you are getting an exceptional watch for your money. There have been so many Speedmaster models over the years, so if this one doesn’t float your boat, there will definitely be one that works better for a smaller budget.
1963 Omega Seamaster 30 "Saurer Dial" 35mm 135.007
1963 Omega Seamaster 30 "Saurer Dial" 35mm 135.007. Credit: Kibble Watches.
Next up is a 1963 Seamaster 30 and with the watch you also have a double signed dial. This is something you don’t see too often nowadays. Saurer, a Swiss-based company, boasted a diverse portfolio ranging from embroidery machines to trucks. This particular item was likely commissioned by them for their staff and was possibly reserved for top executives or outstanding performers. Back in the heydays of the 60’s this was more common, so this is quite a collectable piece.
Yes, it is only a 35mm case but these look exceptionally good on most wrists, so before you say it’s too small, give it a go. The Seamaster 30 definitely has a more vintage vibe to it, with it being a smaller case and only 10.5mm thick, but it has a classic timeless design and a very simple dial. The case back also features the distinctive Omega hippocampus, a sea horse from Greek mythology.
Priced at £1495.00, this would look great in any collection.
1958 Omega Ranchero CK 2990 with Omega Extract
1958 Omega Ranchero CK 2990 with Omega Extract. Credit: Kibble Watches.
My penultimate choice is the Omega Ranchero CK 2990 from 1958. The Ranchero was conceived as the fourth tool watch in a distinguished series introduced in 1957, alongside the Seamaster 300, the Speedmaster, and the Railmaster. Despite sharing numerous features with its counterparts, the Ranchero faced challenges due to its name, which translates to "Ranch Hand" in Spanish. This term encountered resistance from Spanish-speaking regions, leading to a decline in sales. As a result, the watch was swiftly discontinued in 1959.
It has a 36mm case that still works well today on most wrists, and I love that dark patinaed dial. It still amazes me how a sterile over time oxidises and takes on a whole new look. The narrow-toothed indices and broad arrow hands just work so well and a sub-second dial at 6 just gives the dial another focus.
The Ranchero was available in a choice of either a black or white dial option and the prices of these have exceeded £20,000.00, so still a highly collectable watch.
1967 Omega Seamaster 300 165.024 Bakelite Bezel
1967 Omega Seamaster 300 165.024 Bakelite Bezel. Credit: Kibble Watches.
Last but certainly not least, it wouldn’t be right if I picked my top 5 without including one of the most beautiful dive watches (in my opinion) to have been created. The Seamaster 300, (I will try and stifle my excitement here) from 1967 is one of the most exemplary examples of what a dive watch should be.
With a stunning bakelite dive bezel and dial, this watch is in exceptional condition for its age. Known as the Big Triangle, the 42mm case size would have seemed huge compared to many others of that era. It features a domed crystal sitting above that creamy lemony dial, which has aged impeccably. At 67 years old, this watch has certainly seen some action, it’s been used and loved the way it was designed to be.
The sword hands and narrow bezel are for me the highlight of this model and when you think that the Seamaster’s heritage is traced back as far as 1948, Omega by this time had the perfect formula. I don’t own one of these yet, but hope to at some stage, as this would be a key player in any dive watch collection.
These sell for between £6000.00 - £12,000.00 depending on condition.
