Description

The Dial

This all-original 1980 Omega Seamaster has a silver brushed dial with slim stick indices and baton hands. Between the indices is a stamped minutes track that separates further into fifths. At 3 is an aperture, framed in polished steel, displaying the day and date which both have quickset functions.

This dial is original, unrestored and immaculate. Under a loupe only some very light pitting can be seen on the surface, however, this is completely unnoticeable to the naked eye. As manufacturing techniques improved, the chemicals used to produce watch dials were able to further withstand the test of time. The result is truly stunning, this 40 year old watch dial appears as fresh as the day it was made.

This dial is signed and badged ‘Omega’, followed by ‘Seamaster’, ‘Automatic’ and ‘Swiss Made.

The Case & Bracelet

In the late 1970s this retro tonneau case became very popular and is now an immediately recognisable design from its period. The bracelet (B1026) has a sleek brushed finish and is a truly iconic vintage design that remains highly desirable today. The bracelet’s width smoothly tapers from the lugs (22mm) to the Omega signed butterfly clasp (16mm), by way of precisely cut links of varying length. The case diameter is 35mm and the lug to lug length is 40mm, making this watch perfectly suitable for both men and women’s wrists today.

The watch presents itself beautifully on the wrist with almost zero visible damage on the outside of the case. In fact, as I hold the watch here in my hand, I struggle to find any marks at all other than two small pits, likely from a case-knife, which are visible in the movement shot. This Omega case has been professionally polished to the stunning condition you see here and could now be mistaken for a new watch to the untrained eye.

The rear of the case bears the famous saddled seahorse (or hippocampus), used by Omega to distinguish their waterproof cases. The press-fit case-back can be removed with a case-knife (at your own risk) to reveal the movement, waterproofing rubber gasket and the inscribed lettering on the interior of the case-back.

This case is signed ‘Acier Inoxydable’ and carries the ‘Omega Watch Co’ triangle followed by ‘Swiss Made’, proving that this is an Omega Swiss made case. Beneath, are the model reference number 1660215.1 and the case serial number 3660847.

Although this watch was initially specified as water-resistant, this has not been tested and is therefore not guaranteed.

The Movement

Housed in this watch is the Omega Swiss made Calibre 1020. A revolutionary double-quickset day-date automatic mechanical movement released in 1972, almost twenty years before Rolex added this function in the 1990 Rolex Day-Date President. Rotating the crown in its first position cycles through the dates. The crowns second position sets the time when winding counter-clockwise (forward) and the day of the week when winding clockwise (backwards). The balance wheel ticks at quite a high frequency of 28800 A/h, allowing highly precise timekeeping and superior accuracy throughout its 42-hour power reserve. This movement also features an automatic winding rotor, which is incredibly thin, allowing this day-date automatic to stand just 11mm tall, including the lens!

This movement has been tested and approved by our watchmaker, who has measured this watch running to within +6 seconds per day, averaged over 6 positions. The movement is in perfect working order and has likely been serviced within the last year or so, meaning this shouldn’t be a worry for at least another 3 years, given proper care. When a service is required, get in touch with our servicing and repairs department who will be happy to pamper and rejuvenate your watch. Any previous customer of VW UK is granted a substantial discount for a routine service on any watch purchased from us. This watch’s movement is covered under our warranty for 12 months after purchase, provided it has been properly cared for.

This Omega Swiss made Cal.1020 mechanical movement is signed ‘Omega Swiss’, ’17 Jewels’, ‘Unadjusted’ and the calibre number is inscribed beside the balance wheel. This movements serial number (44155240) dates this watch to 1980.

Conclusion

The watch is sold as-is and will take a next day tracked and insured delivery service for the UK, and a 3-5 day service for customers abroad.

Please do get in touch with a member of our team with any questions. We are always happy to talk shop and negotiate a price that everyone’s comfortable with.