Why This Watch Matters This Seamaster on bracelet wears so well, the silver dial and EPSA made case with a chronometer rated movement all come together to create a great vintage watch for daily wear. The Full Story A pillar of the Omega brand since it first hit the catalog in 1948, the Seamaster line has taken on many forms, from a versatile, everyday timepiece to a robust diver's tool. Here, we have a gorgeous example showcasing the model's everyday wear roots: A 1960s Seamaster Automatic in a "waterproof" case featuring a date function. We'll dive into more of the details below but one to point out off the top is that this example is chronometer rated, an uncommon feature of Seamasters. This certification and movement effort was more often put into Constellations of the time period. We've always said that Omega Seamasters from the 1950s and '60s are among the best entry-level vintage watches out there. You can explore a diverse world of designs and history from one of Switzerland's most storied brands, all without the hassle of paying a premium. This example is toward the end of that range, dating to circa 1969. From where the model line was roughly ten years earlier in the 1950s, we can see where Omega iterated on a theme and answered the market's demand. The great thing about the Seamaster during this period is that the designs are always very of-the-era in which they were made while remaining extremely wearable today. The watch we have here has a more substantial 38.5mm case than most Seamasters, in the C-shape that is more commonly seen in other Omegas, and the dial is complete with a really interesting silver speckled finish. Also, the hour markers are in an interesting shape which look like silver roof tops with black in the middle which creates an additional dimension. To match the same motif, the luminous hands are also in silver-tone with black inserts in the middle. Omega was creating great timepieces in this era, and this Seamaster is no different – it would've been offered next to a Speedmaster Professional in the thick of the Space Race. The case on this watch was produced by case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (aka EPSA), famous for its water-tight dive watch cases issued to many Swiss watchmakers, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and countless other prominent Swiss watch firms. EPSA's work is easily identifiable by a logo inside the caseback depicting a diving helmet shape, as is seen on our Omega ref. 168.035 here. The shape is very similar to the Seamaster chronograph we recently sold; that case was also manufactured by EPSA. Our watch is topped off with an Omega bracelet to really complete the 1960s look. While they're visually stunning, an often overlooked feature of bracelets like this is the comfort – these are some of the most comfortable bracelets out there. The Fine Print Maker: OmegaModel: SeamasterReference: 168.035Year: 1969Case No: N/AMovement No: 30277504Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38.5mm width x 42mm height; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Omega, self-winding, caliber 564Bracelet/Strap: Omega, stainless steel, ref. 1170 bracelet with 604 end linksLug Width: 22mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Overall great condition - Speckled silver dial- Quick-set date - Omega bracelet Things To Know: - Light scratches on case This Seamaster is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches. The case is possibly unpolished, showing the original bevels on the lugs and brushed finishing on the case top. The top of the lugs have some scratches. The bottom of the lugs have scratches from removal and placement on the bracelet. The Seamaster medallion on the caseback is clearly visible. There are scratches on the caseback from a removal attempt. The textured dial is in good condition and has developed a light patina throughout with a few marks. The lume on the dial is mostly full and has developed patina. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. The lume on the hands has developed patina and matches the lume on the dial well. Some of the lume plots on the dial show normal signs of degradation. There are some very minor spots around the hour marker at nine with a light scratch on the hour marker itself at nine as well. The crystal has some scratches, mostly at twelve o'clock on the edge. The dial, case, movement, crown, crystal, and bracelet are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
