Omega Seamaster 166.003 SP (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A classic and highly wearable vintage Seamaster configuration, this circa 1968 timepiece is distinguished by an exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and its original signed Omega beads of rice bracelet. The well-preserved automatic caliber 565 movement and crisp caseback medallion make this a compelling example for collectors. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 166.003 SP Serial Number: 27177256 Movement: Automatic Omega Caliber 565 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 34mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone Production Year: Circa 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -8-11s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and well-preserved silver sunburst dial features a beautiful champagne hue. It is adorned with applied gold-tone indices featuring black inserts, complemented by a framed date window at the three o'clock position. The printed text remains crisp and entirely intact, with no significant spotting, staining, or damage visible. The original dauphine style hands also feature black inserts and display age-appropriate oxidation, spotting, and surface dirt on their metal finish, while the sweep seconds hand shows minor aging. Case and Crystal The gold-tone case presents honest vintage wear, displaying visible surface scratches, handling marks, and some softening on the lug edges. Minor plating wear and oxidation are visible between the lugs and along the case edges. A smooth, integrated gold-tone bezel frames the dial, showing surface scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The stainless steel caseback is a highlight, retaining a very crisp Seamaster hippocampus medallion. The watch features a gold-tone knurled crown, clearly signed with the Omega logo, showing minor wear to the knurling. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches visible under direct lighting, free of major cracks or chips. Movement The watch is powered by the automatic Omega caliber 565, featuring 24 jewels. The copper-colored plating is bright and clean, with no obvious signs of corrosion, moisture damage, or heavy tool marks. The rotor and bridges show crisp finishing, and the screw heads appear in good condition. Engravings on the movement clearly read 27177256, OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS, TWENTY-FOUR 24 JEWELS, and 565. The timegrapher records a rate of -8-11s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap This Seamaster is fitted with its original signed bracelet, a classic gold-tone beads of rice design. The bracelet secures with a signed Omega folding clasp and features endlinks stamped 512. It shows moderate wear, including visible surface scratches, plating wear, and stretch consistent with its age and use. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 18cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The case shows honest wear with softening to the lugs, surface scratches, and minor plating wear on the edges, while retaining a crisp stainless steel caseback medallion. The exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial is beautifully preserved. The dauphine hands display age-appropriate oxidation and spotting. The original beads of rice bracelet shows moderate wear, stretch, and plating loss consistent with its age. The domed acrylic crystal has light surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Seamaster stands out due to its remarkably clean sunburst dial, the presence of the original signed beads of rice bracelet, and the strong performance of the caliber 565 movement. The crisp caseback medallion adds further appeal to this highly wearable vintage configuration. History The Omega Seamaster reference 166.003 was first introduced in 1962. The standard case diameter for the reference 166.003 is 34.5mm. It is powered by the Omega caliber 565, a 24-jewel automatic movement that beats at 19,800 BPH and includes an Incabloc shock absorber. The caliber 565 is notable for a fast date adjustment mechanism operated via a secondary crown setting. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OAS-0037