There is something about the early vintage Omega Seamsters that truly embodies the golden era of dive watches of the 1960-1970s. Omega has a long history and heritage in dive watches, which dates back to the 1930s. The seahorse adorned case back of the Seamaster series pays tribute to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The seahorse logo was conceived by engraver Jean-Pierre Borle. He was inspired by an image of Neptune driving a chariot pulled by seahorses, which is why the Omega seahorses are depicted wearing bridles.
Omega released the Seamaster 120 Ref (166.088.) in 1969 and continued production of through 1974. Omega released four versions of the Seamaster 120 from its launch in 1969 until the last production of the reference in 1980/81. The common features of the Seamaster 120's of this era are the bi-directional bakelite bezel insert, the date feature, the screw down crown, and the absence of crown guards.
This specific Omega Seamaster Ref. 166.0251 is the rarest version of the Seamaster 120 series and is commonly referred to a Baby Ploprof as it adorns the same hands as the larger Omega Seamaster Ploprof.
| Stock # | OMSM71120 | |
| Brand | Omega | |
| Style | Seamster | |
| Model | 120 | |
| Serial | 33,XXX,XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Black Matte | |
| Millimeters | 39 | |
| Bracelet | Omega |
CASE & BRACELET
The case of this '71 Seamaster has not been polished and retains the original factory finish. Most of the examples that are available today have been over polished and do not retain the original case chamfers and finish. The fully graduated and luminous bakelite bezel is also in stunning condition which is uncommon to find as most examples available show degradation and/or cracking. The bezel insert is in perfect condition and provides a three dimensional appearance to the numbers and markers, which is specific to this model of seamaster. The integrated Omega 1321/295 bracelet is also in original condition and shows minimal stretch.
DIAL
The dial is in original condition showing wonderful yellow patina on the tritium markers and glows briefly when exposed to intense light or U.V. The original Ploprof hands are also in flawless condition showing no lume degradation and the orange mintue hand has achieved a slight fade but is still very visible and can be seen from across the room.
ACCESSORIES
None. Watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1 year warranty on accurate timekeeping
