Here we have an early first reference of Omega Seamaster, dating to 1949. It is the reference 2576-8 and was destined for the US market as the movement bares the OXG code for the importer Norman Morris Corp. It features the silver dial with sub-seconds, Arabic 9, 12 & 3, with the arrow markers in-between. It has the radium luminous plots to the base of the arrow markers, with the square plots on the Arabic markers. The hands are of radium luminous Dauphine style. This is the earliest example, with only the ‘Omega Automatic’ signing, with the Seamaster name only being included on the dial from 1950. The 34.25mm stainless steel case is has the broad, flat bezel and well-proportioned lugs. To the right is the original clover Omega crown. The case back has the 6 notches, with the satin brushed sunburst finish. Inside it has the Omega signing and the reference 2576-8. The movement is the bumper automatic calibre 342 movement, which has been recently serviced and is keeping good time.
 
To mark the brands centenary, Omega launched the iconic Seamaster model in 1948. It was designed according to Omegas military prowess and was built to withstand any challenge. Omega were more playful, stating it was designed for “town, sea and country”. 
A dress watch for gents, it was distinguished from the competition by its adoption of a new waterproofing system. The use of a tightly designed case, with rubber O-ring gaskets, was far superior to earlier shellac and lead versions. 
The model laid the foundation for its development into a true diver when in 1955, diver Gordan McLean wore the model for a record breaking 62.5 meter dive off the Australian coast. 
 
The dial is an aged silver tone with the classic early Seamaster layout. It has the dash minute track around the exterior with the applied arrow hour markers and applied italic Arabic 9, 12 & 3 numerals. The arrow markers have the radium luminous plots inset within the base, with the plots at 9, 12, 3 & 6 having the square luminous plots. The applied Omega logo sits below 12 O’clock with the “Omega Automatic” signing. The sub-second dial is inset into the dial and is well proportioned. It has the grained concentric circles with the dash markers for the 5 second intervals. The hands are original, of Dauphine style with the luminous in-fill to the centre. A classic, clean 1950s design. 
 
The case is a joy to wear. It measures 34.25mm x 34.25mm which is a neat sizing. The chunky crown increases the width to 37mm, whilst the lug-to-lug length comes in at 42.75mm. This adds significant presence on the wrist. The long, downturned lugs compliment the thin case profile of 10mm, which makes this a very comfortable and enjoyable wear. 
The bezel is broad and flat which frames the dial nicely. The lugs are long and have a subtle taper inward and downwards to the wrist. The sides of the case are flat and the continuation of the polished finish reflects the light well. To the right is the original Omega clover crown which is reference correct. The case back has the 6 notches, with the satin brushed sunburst finish, which radiates in the light. Inside it is signed with the Omega logo and has the reference 2576-8. 
 
The movement is the bumper automatic calibre 342. It has a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 19800 BPH. It benefits from shock-protection. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 15 seconds a day. The watch was made for the US market, carrying OXG code on the movement. This was the import code for Norman Morris Corp, who were the importer of Omega watches into the USA at the time.
 
With the lack of the Seamaster signing, you can have a lovely, early first Seamaster model. With the added intrigue of the watch having the US import code, it is also more collectable.
 
The watch is modelled on a 7" wrist circumference. 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original and is in decent condition for the age. The silver finish has aged to a darker tone and has light scratches and marking. The signing is good and clear. The applied markers and Omega logo are bright. To the base of the hour markers is the original luminous plots which signs of ageing. 
 
Hands:
The hands are original with the aged luminous in-fill to the centre. They have light spotted corrosion associated with age. The sub-second is original.
 
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a modern replacement, which is in good condition.
 
Crown:
The Omega clover crown is original and the logo is good and clear. It has some light marking.
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and is in decent condition. It has the polished finish, which has been re-done, with light surface scratching.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of steel and is in good condition for the age. It is a screw back with the satin sunburst finish. It has some light marking and a spot of corrosion for age. 
 
Strap:
The watch comes on a genuine leather strap (non-omega), with a stainless steel buckle (non-omega).
 
Movement:
The movement is the bumper automatic calibre 342. It has a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 19800 BPH. It benefits from shock-protection
The movement has been recently serviced. It’s keeping time to -15 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 0.2 m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 34.25mm
Case width with crown: 37mm 
Case length: 34.3mm 
Case length lug to lug: 42.75mm
Case Depth: 10.5mm
Lug width: 18mm