Omega - Steel Rice-Bead Bracelet, Cream Dial with Date

Omega | Steel Rice-Bead Bracelet | Cream Dial with Date | Gold Indices

Description

The rice-bead bracelet is one of the most coveted vintage Omega bracelet styles. Named for the small, elongated links that resemble grains of rice, this bracelet has a fluid, almost fabric-like drape on the wrist that modern bracelets rarely achieve. Finding one in good condition, still attached to its original watch, is a genuine find.

The steel round case houses a cream/champagne dial with applied gold stick indices at all twelve positions. The Omega logo sits at 12, and a date window at 3 adds daily functionality. Gold hands provide warm contrast against the cream dial and polished steel case. The overall effect is warm vintage elegance.

The rice-bead bracelet itself is the star. Each link is a small, rounded, elongated bead that articulates individually, creating the distinctive chain-like drape. The polished steel catches light across dozens of tiny curved surfaces. The bracelet sits flat and comfortable, conforming to wrist shape better than rigid link bracelets.

Key Features

• Brand: Omega
• Model: Quartz Dress
• Movement: Quartz
• Case Material: Stainless steel, polished
• Dial: Cream/champagne with applied gold stick indices, date at 3
• Hands: Gold
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Bracelet: Original Omega rice-bead (beads of rice) stainless steel
• Origin: Swiss Made

Specifications

• Reference:
• Case Diameter: ~34 mm (excluding crown)
• Case Material: Stainless steel, polished
• Dial: Cream/champagne with date
• Movement: Quartz
• Bracelet: Omega rice-bead stainless steel
• Crystal: Mineral glass

Condition Report

• Dial: Cream/champagne dial in very good condition. Warm vintage patina that enhances character. Gold applied indices intact and secure. Date window clear. Omega logo crisp.
• Hands: Gold hands clean, no corrosion.
• Crystal: Mineral glass, clear.
• Case: Polished steel case in solid condition. Good reflections, light surface wear consistent with age.
• Bracelet: Original Omega rice-bead bracelet in good condition. Links intact with no broken beads. Clasp functions well. Good overall tension and drape.
• Crown: Functions smoothly.
• Movement: Quartz, accurate. Date changes cleanly.

Historical Significance

The rice-bead bracelet (also called "beads of rice") is one of the most recognisable vintage watch bracelet styles. Originally popularised in the 1960s and 1970s, these bracelets were produced by several Swiss brands, but Omega's versions are among the most collected. The small, rounded links create a smooth, flexible band that conforms to the wrist more comfortably than most modern bracelets. Original rice-bead bracelets in good condition have become increasingly scarce as many were damaged, stretched, or replaced over the decades.

A daily-wearable vintage Omega with the coveted rice-bead bracelet. The combination of bracelet, warm cream dial, and reliable quartz movement makes this one of the most practical vintage Omegas you can buy.