Omega - Seamaster - 196.1501 - Mænd - 1998

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Omega Seamaster 120m perfectly bridges the gap between a robust sports watch and an elegant everyday timepiece. This specific reference 196.1501 features a striking deep blue wave dial that captures the essence of Omega's nautical heritage, dynamically shifting in tone depending on the light. Housed in a versatile 38mm stainless steel case and paired with the iconic multi-link Seamaster bracelet, it offers an incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist. Powered by the reliable Omega Caliber 1538 quartz movement, this piece combines meticulous Swiss finishing with grab-and-go convenience, making it a highly appealing addition for both seasoned collectors and those seeking a distinguished daily wearer. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster 120m Reference Number: 196.1501 Serial Number: 56422256 Movement: Quartz Caliber 1538 Dial: Blue wave dial with applied luminous indices Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1998 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating deep blue dial adorned with Omega's signature wave pattern, which provides a rich texture and visual depth. Applied silver-tone baton hour markers are paired with intact luminous pips, creating a highly legible and attractive layout. A date aperture is cleanly positioned at the three o'clock mark. The iconic skeleton hands retain their luminous tips and exhibit excellent preservation, complementing the dial perfectly and showing a strong, fresh overall appearance. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel case showcases sweepingly elegant lines and retains crisp transitions between its brushed and polished surfaces. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial beautifully and displays only light, honest handling marks. The signature guarded crown operates smoothly. The solid caseback is deeply engraved with the famous Seamaster hippocampus emblem surrounded by a textured wave motif. The sapphire crystal remains clear and free of significant marks, ensuring an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Inside beats the Omega Quartz Caliber 1538, a highly regarded and precise movement known for its robust performance. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance and ready enjoyment for its next owner. Strap The watch is fitted with its stainless steel Seamaster multi-link bracelet, reference 1501/823, recognized for its exceptional comfort and fluid articulation. The bracelet is secured by a robust fold-over clasp featuring a gold-tone Omega medallion. It is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age. Only light wear and handling marks are visible on the case and bracelet, with limited scratches and minimal signs of heavy use. The dial, case, and hands show very good overall preservation. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece. Dimensions Case width is 38 mm excluding the crown. Accommodates a wrist size up to 17.5 cm. Remarks This Seamaster 120m is a fantastic representation of Omega's late 1990s design language, offering the beloved wave dial in a refined, polished-bezel format. Its combination of a reliable quartz caliber and a highly wearable case size makes it an exceptionally versatile and sales-appealing timepiece that continues to appreciate in collector interest. History The Omega Seamaster line has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction in 1948, originally designed to withstand the rigorous demands of maritime adventures. The Seamaster 120m series, particularly popular in the 1990s, was introduced to offer a more elegant, streamlined alternative to the chunkier professional dive watches while still maintaining substantial water resistance and sporting capability. Worn famously by free-diver Jacques Mayol, the Seamaster 120m cemented its legacy as a watch that perfectly harmonizes formal aesthetics with uncompromising aquatic performance. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OSM-0003