Omega - Seamaster - No reserve price - 166.037 SP - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Omega Seamaster stands as one of the most enduring and beloved pillars of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, perfectly bridging the gap between a capable sports watch and a refined dress piece. This particular example from the late 1960s captures the absolute essence of Omega’s golden era, boasting a beautifully preserved sunburst dial, a robust stainless steel case, and the highly regarded Caliber 565 automatic movement. It is a masterclass in timeless design, offering a versatile aesthetic that remains just as compelling today as it was over half a century ago. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 166.037 SP Serial Number: 26944981 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 565, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, exceptionally clean with beautifully aged creamy tritium lume plots Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably well-preserved dial and strong case geometry Dial and Hands The dial of this Seamaster is an absolute standout, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that remains exceptionally clean and vibrant. Upon close inspection, the dial is remarkably free of distracting spots, moisture stains, or surface damage, presenting a highly attractive and well-preserved face. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring black inserts that provide excellent contrast and legibility. At the base of each marker sit the original tritium lume plots, which have aged uniformly to a gorgeous, warm creamy-pumpkin tone, matching the "- T SWISS MADE T -" designation at the bottom edge. The applied Omega logo and crisp black typography further elevate the dial's sophistication. The original baton hands feature matching black central stripes and intact luminous material that corresponds perfectly with the dial's patina. A nicely framed date window sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case retains strong, attractive proportions with distinct transitions between its polished bezel and the brushed and polished surfaces of the lugs. The lug profiles remain well-defined, showing honest, light surface wear consistent with careful vintage ownership rather than heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with an original, appropriately sized Omega-signed scalloped crown. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback deeply engraved with the iconic Seamaster Hippocampus (seahorse) medallion and the "WATERPROOF" script, both of which remain sharp and highly legible. The watch is topped with a domed acrylic crystal that features the tiny, etched Omega logo at its direct center, confirming its authenticity and preserving the vintage warmth of the piece. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary in-house Omega Caliber 565, a 24-jewel automatic movement renowned among collectors for its durability and the inclusion of a swan-neck regulator. The movement presents beautifully, with Omega’s signature copper-toned plating remaining bright, clean, and visually impressive. Close inspection reveals the serial number 26944981, dating the watch's production to approximately 1968, along with the crisp caliber engraving on the rotor bridge. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show the movement running at -15 to -17 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome, period-appropriate black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. This strap perfectly complements the monochrome aesthetic of the silver dial and black index inserts, and it is secured to the wrist with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seamaster is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear highlight, remaining incredibly crisp and free of the heavy spotting or edge wear often found on watches of this era. The case is structurally excellent, exhibiting normal handling marks and light scratches but retaining sharp lines and a beautifully preserved caseback medallion. The acrylic crystal is clear and well-maintained. The movement is visually pristine, mechanically sound, and running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This is a quintessential 1960s Omega Seamaster that hits all the right notes for a vintage enthusiast. The combination of the highly respected Caliber 565, the flawlessly aged tritium lume against a pristine sunburst dial, and the sharp Hippocampus caseback makes this a highly compelling acquisition. It is a foundational piece for any serious collection and a versatile daily wearer for the discerning gentleman. History Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, the Seamaster is the oldest line in the current collection. Originally conceived as a robust, water-resistant timepiece for active individuals—drawing heavily on the waterproof watches Omega delivered to the British military during World War II—it quickly evolved into a symbol of enduring elegance. By the 1960s, the Seamaster had achieved its most refined and iconic form, blending dress-watch sophistication with everyday durability. These mid-century models are particularly revered today for their timeless design language, exceptional in-house calibers, and historical significance, cementing the Seamaster's legacy as one of the most important model families in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OSA-0017