Omega - Seamaster - No reserve price - 166.002 - Men - 1966

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An elegant and sophisticated expression of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Omega Seamaster reference 166.002 perfectly captures the golden era of the brand. Combining a robust automatic movement with a refined, dress-oriented aesthetic, this piece bridges the gap between everyday reliability and formal elegance. The presence of the iconic Hippocampus on the caseback and the beautifully balanced dial layout make this a quintessential addition to any serious vintage collection. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 166.002 Serial Number: 23079966 Movement: Automatic Caliber 562, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and faceted indices, showing minor surface spotting and oxidized hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 40-micron gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with well-preserved case lines and attractive honest patina Dial and Hands The dial presents a beautiful silver finish that shifts subtly under different lighting conditions. It features applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the twelve, six, and nine o'clock positions, complemented by faceted baton indices for the remaining hours. A stepped, gold-tone framed date window sits elegantly at the three o'clock mark. The applied Omega logo sits above crisp, sans-serif black typography, while the classic script Seamaster text anchors the lower half. Under close inspection, the dial exhibits minor, evenly dispersed surface spotting and fine dust particles consistent with its age. The gold-tone dauphine hands show noticeable oxidation and patina, adding authentic vintage character to the face of the watch, while the luminous material within the hands has aged to a dark, earthy tone. Case and Crystal The 35 mm case is constructed with a 40-micron gold-plated upper and a robust stainless steel screw-down caseback. The smooth bezel and elegantly tapered lugs retain their structural integrity, showing light, honest surface scratches and minor wear marks typical of careful vintage use, without any severe plating loss visible on the primary surfaces. The knurled crown is correctly signed with the classic Omega logo. The stainless steel caseback is a notable highlight, featuring a deeply embossed and highly detailed Hippocampus medallion at its center, surrounded by crisp factory machining marks on the interior. The watch is fitted with a clear domed crystal that beautifully protects the dial while adding a warm vintage distortion at the extreme edges. Movement Inside beats the renowned in-house Omega Caliber 562, a 24-jewel automatic movement celebrated for its durability and precision. The movement displays Omega's signature copper-toned plating, which remains bright and visually striking. Close inspection reveals the caliber number 562 and the serial number 23079966 clearly engraved on the bridges, dating the production to approximately 1966. The mechanism features a swan-neck regulator and exhibits a very clean overall appearance. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of +22 to +24 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a thick black leather strap featuring distinctive white and gold-toned contrast stitching. The strap is supple, complementing the gold tones of the case and dial furniture beautifully, and it secures to the wrist with a classic polished tang buckle. Condition This Seamaster is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong lines and a thick layer of gold plating, with only minor handling marks visible upon close inspection. The dial is highly attractive, with the honest oxidation on the hands and light surface spotting validating its unpolished, original state. The movement is remarkably clean and running strong, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage timepiece. Dimensions The case width measures 35 mm excluding the signed crown. The proportions are classic for the mid-century era, offering an elegant and understated presence on the wrist that easily slips under a tailored cuff. Remarks The reference 166.002 is a beloved configuration among Omega enthusiasts, offering the perfect blend of Seamaster durability and dress-watch sophistication. The combination of the applied Arabic numerals and the robust Caliber 562 makes this specific example particularly desirable for those who appreciate fine mid-century design. History Introduced in 1948 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Omega, the Seamaster line was originally based on waterproof watches designed for the British military during the Second World War. By the 1960s, the collection had evolved to include refined, elegant models like this one, which maintained the robust waterproof heritage symbolized by the Hippocampus engraved on the caseback, while offering a sophisticated aesthetic suitable for the modern gentleman. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OAS-0010