Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This classic 1964 Omega Seamaster reference 166.003 is defined by its heavily patinated dial, offering a highly individualized aesthetic. Paired with its original signed beads of rice bracelet and driven by the reliable caliber 562 automatic movement, it presents a charismatic and highly capable vintage package.
Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 166.003
Serial Number: 21854555
Movement: Automatic, caliber 562, 24 jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst finish with heavy, widespread spotting
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1964
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -3-6s/day, performing remarkably well.
Dial and Hands
The dial presents a silver sunburst finish now characterized by heavy, prominent spotting and patina across its entire surface, creating a distinctively aged appearance. The applied indices, complete with their black inserts, remain intact. All printed text, including the Omega script, is legible but shows natural aging, and a framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The Dauphine style hands, also featuring black inserts, display noticeable oxidation and spotting that matches the dial surface, with the sweep seconds hand showing similar consistent aging.
Case and Crystal
The stainless steel case retains good overall geometry and lug definition, showing honest moderate surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age. A smooth steel bezel rings the dial, displaying light scratches and scuffs but remaining free of any major dents. On the reverse, the caseback features a crisp and clear Seahorse medallion, surrounded by normal wear and scratches. The watch is fitted with a scalloped crown signed with the Omega logo, which shows light wear to its knurling. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with only minor surface scratches visible under direct light and no major cracks or chips.
Movement
Inside the case beats the Omega caliber 562 automatic movement, featuring 24 jewels. The copper-colored plating is bright and well-preserved, with no obvious signs of heavy corrosion or moisture damage. The screw heads appear in good condition, and the movement is fully signed with the Omega name, caliber number, and matching serial number. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a strong rate of -3-6s/day.
Strap
The watch is fitted with its original signed Omega beads of rice bracelet, complete with endlinks stamped '11' and a clasp signed with the Omega logo. This classic bracelet shows moderate scratches on the clasp and links, presenting normal signs of use. It accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 18.5 cm.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The case and bezel show honest wear with moderate scratches, yet retain solid geometry and a crisp Seahorse medallion on the caseback. The dial and hands are heavily patinated, displaying distinct, widespread spotting that gives the watch a unique visual character. The original beads of rice bracelet shows normal wear consistent with the case. The caliber 562 movement is well-preserved visually and, supported by the recorded timegrapher result, is performing very strongly.
Dimensions
34 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
This Seamaster offers a striking, heavily patinated dial that ensures no two examples will ever look exactly alike. Equipped with its original beads of rice bracelet and a robust caliber 562 movement performing exceptionally well, it is a highly wearable and deeply charismatic 1960s classic.
History
Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's centenary, the Seamaster line quickly became a pillar of the brand's catalog, originally designed as a robust yet elegant watch for active individuals. By the 1960s, the Seamaster had evolved into a perfectly proportioned everyday timepiece, celebrated for its reliable automatic movements and the iconic Seahorse medallion struck into the caseback. The reference 166.003 perfectly represents this era, utilizing the highly regarded caliber 562, a movement widely respected by collectors for its durability and precise engineering during Omega's golden age of mechanical watchmaking.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: OME-ASX-0023




















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Omega - Seamaster 'Beads of rice' - No reserve price - 166.003 - Men - 1964
Omega • 1964
Current Bid
€550.00
Time Left
2d 15h
32 bids108 watching
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