Omega 480 Movement: A Robust Manual-Wind Caliber from Omega’s Golden Era

The Omega 480 is a manual-winding mechanical movement produced during the mid-20th century, noted for its precision, durability, and traditional craftsmanship. It represents a significant chapter in Omega’s storied history of mechanical watchmaking and continues to be highly valued by vintage watch collectors.

Historical Context

Introduced in the 1940s and produced throughout the 1950s, the Omega 480 was developed to power wristwatches that balanced elegance with reliability. It was part of Omega’s comprehensive range of hand-wound calibers designed to offer consistent timekeeping and lasting performance.

Technical Specifications

Key features of the Omega 480 movement include:

• Jewels: Typically equipped with 17 jewels to reduce friction and wear, enhancing precision and longevity.

• Frequency: Operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph), providing smooth and consistent hand movement.

• Power Reserve: Offers approximately 40 to 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

• Functions: Displays hours, minutes, and seconds, often with a sweeping seconds hand.

• Dimensions: Measures approximately 48.0 lignes in diameter (about 10.7 mm), suitable for larger wristwatches of the era.

Design and Craftsmanship

The Omega 480 movement features traditional Swiss watchmaking finishing techniques such as Geneva stripes and perlage on its plates and bridges. The manual winding mechanism is praised for its smooth operation and satisfying tactile feedback.

Its robust and straightforward construction has helped many watches equipped with the 480 caliber maintain reliable performance over many decades.

Collectability and Legacy

Vintage watches powered by the Omega 480 movement are highly sought after by collectors for their historical importance and mechanical reliability. The caliber’s association with elegant and functional mid-century watches adds to its desirability.

Servicing the Omega 480 requires specialized knowledge, and well-preserved examples are prized within the vintage watch community.

Final Thoughts

The Omega 480 movement exemplifies Omega’s commitment to quality, precision, and durability during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Its combination of reliable performance and classic design ensures it remains a treasured caliber among horology enthusiasts and collectors.