Why This Watch Matters A throwback to when wristwatches were needed as true tools, this Omega meant to serve a soccer (or football) referee, coach, or fan in timing match halves. The Full Story The Omega Seamaster Soccer Timer is one of our favorite examples of a vintage chronograph that was designed with a special purpose in mind. While the chronograph is conventional in capability, its design reveals the backstory of its nickname. The three o'clock sub-dial is divided into a pair of 45-minute halves, which allows its wearer (a referee, perhaps?) to effortlessly time the two halves of a soccer match. The Seamaster Soccer Timer was produced for a number of years in the 1960s and '70s and came in three separate references. Function aside, on this ref. 145.020 example, the colors on the dial make this watch simply stunning. The tonneau-shaped case and bright orange chronograph seconds hand ushers in some much-loved funky design traits that became popular in the 1970s. The movement is Omega's manually wound caliber 861, which is the same movement fitted in the Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022 that was offered alongside this Soccer Timer in the Omega catalog at the time. In comparing movement serial numbers, this example is only 20 numbers away from the Omega Soccer Timer we recently offered in the HODINKEE Shop. While not historically significant in any serious way, it's always interesting to see little details like this and offers a glimpse of just how many of these watches the brand made. This has to be among the best Soccer Timers to ever hit the shop here at HODINKEE, if not the absolute best. While there's something to be said for a vintage watch that looks like it's been worn in and lived a previous life, finding an example that's almost like new, in mint condition, is really special. This watch appears to have been sparingly worn, if at all; all of the case lines and finishes are really unbelievably crisp, and the bracelet is still tight and needs to be broken in. We often say bracelets have little to no stretch, but this one stands at attention with absolutely no room between the links. The watch is in truly mint condition. The Fine Print Maker: OmegaModel: Seamaster "Soccer Timer"Reference: 145.020Year: Circa 1969Case No: N/AMovement No: 27715875Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 41mm diameter, 14.2mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 861Bracelet/Strap: Omega, stainless steel, no. 11 ref. 1117 bracelet with 549 endlinksLug Width: 22mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love:- Overall mint condition- Black and red accents- Soccer timer Things To Know:- Minor chips on crystal edge The watch is in overall excellent and near mint condition. The case is strong with some light scratches. The caseback engravings and finish is extremely crisp, leading us to believe the watch has been rarely worn to this point. The dial is very well-preserved, with vibrant colors and without any very noticeable blemishes, which is nice with its light, cream-colored dial. The lume plots on the dial and hands are close to matching in color and have developed patina. The outer tachymeter scale has a beautiful soft black, dark grey tone. The orange chronograph hand is missing orange paint around the center post. The Omega bracelet is correctly marked and in excellent overall condition. The case, dial, movement, crown, and crystal are all signed. The crystal has some minor chips on the edge near two and four o'clock. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
