Why This Watch Matters

Here's a classic vintage Seamaster complete on a beautiful Omega bracelet for a total look.

The Full Story

A mainstay of the Omega brand since it first hit the catalog in 1948, the Seamaster line has taken on many forms, from a versatile, everyday timepiece to a robust diver's tool. Here, we have a gorgeous example showcasing the model's everyday wear roots: A 1960s Seamaster Automatic in a "waterproof" case featuring a date function. We've always said that Omega Seamasters from the 1950s and '60s are among the best entry-level vintage watches out there. You can explore a diverse world of designs and history from one of Switzerland's most storied brands, all without the hassle of paying a premium. Listen to an episode of HODINKEE Radio, and there's about a 50% chance one of these will be mentioned.

This example is toward the end of that range, dating to 1969. From where the model line was roughly ten years earlier , we can see where Omega iterated on a theme and answered the market's demand. The great thing about the Seamaster during this period is that the designs are always very of-the-era in which they were made while remaining extremely wearable today. The watch we have here has a more substantial case than most Seamasters, and the dial is complete with a really interesting silver speckled finish. Omega was creating great timepieces in this era, and this Seamaster is no different – it would've been offered next to a Speedmaster Professional in the thick of the Space Race. One last detail here is a quick-set date through the crown, a luxury that's always nice to see in a watch from this era, a time period where quick-set dates were not standard.

Inside the caseback of this Seamaster is a mark indicating the casemaker Le Centrale Boites, or "CB" to collectors. Best known for its work on the now-hard-to-find ref. 105.012-66 Speedmaster Professional, the manufacturer was one Omega went to on multiple occasions during this period to execute case designs.

Our watch is topped off with an Omega bracelet to really complete the 1960s look. While they're visually stunning, an often overlooked feature of bracelets like this is the comfort – these are some of the most comfortable bracelets out there. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference: 166.032 / 168.023
Year: Circa 1969
Case No: N/A
Movement No: 307585587
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Omega, self-winding, caliber 564
Bracelet/Strap: Omega, stainless steel, no. 12 ref. 1068 bracelet
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Silver speckled dial finish
- Omega bracelet 
- Quick-set date

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case
- Crystal has scratches 

This Seamaster is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches. The case is possibly unpolished, showing the original bevels on the lugs and brushed finishing on the case sides. The top of the lugs have some scratches. The bottom of the lugs have scratches from removal and placement on the bracelet. The Seamaster medallion on the caseback is clearly visible. There are scratches on the caseback from a removal attempt. The caseback also has retained its sunburst style finish. 

The textured dial is in good condition and has developed a light patina throughout with a few marks. The lume on the dial is mostly full and has developed patina. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. The lume on the hands has developed patina and matches the lume on the dial well. The lume in the hour hand shows signs of degradation. 

The crystal has some scratches, mostly at three o'clock on the edge. The dial, case, movement, crown, crystal, and bracelet are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.