Omega Seamaster 120 1967 Vintage History
Vintage

Omega Seamaster 120 1967 Vintage History

By hmmmcamu · Jan 17, 2024 · 6 replies
hmmmcamu
WPS member · Omega forum
6 replies1647 views7 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

The original post by hmmmcamu offers a fascinating historical context for the 1967 Omega Seamaster 120, explaining its genesis as a response to the burgeoning leisure diving market. This article delves into how Omega adapted its professional diver watch line to cater to a new demographic, making vintage Seamaster 120 references more accessible and understandable for modern collectors.

6 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
Late 1950's and thru out the 1960's SCUBA diving and SNORKELING was gaining popularity amongst the affluent and upper middle class as a leisure sport . Omega's big, heavy divers watches designed for professional divers did not suit the new emerging demographic.

In 1966 Omega introduced the SEAMASTER 120  line that came in both manual and automatic models with and without a date complication. A watch suitable for "TOWN, COUNTRY and SEA" as Omega stated, designed for the Gentleman @ 38MM minus crown (a smaller version for the Lady) as a sport /leisure/casual wrist watch.

The Gentleman's SEAMASTER 120  came in 4 models:

Case ref.# - 135.027 ....... Manual Movement, No Date, Caliber 601
Case ref.# - 136.027 ........ Manual Movement, with Date, Caliber 611 / 613
Case ref.# - 165.027 ........ Auto Movement, No Date, Caliber 552
Case ref.# - 166.027 ........ Auto Movement, with Date, Cailber 565

Colour variants:

Black dial and bezel
Maroon dial and bezel
Green dial and bezel




















About the Omega Seamaster Ref. Seamaster120

The Omega Seamaster 120, introduced in 1967, represents Omega's early foray into professional dive watches, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the Seamaster 300. It offered robust water resistance in a more compact and versatile case design, appealing to both enthusiasts and those seeking a capable sports watch for everyday wear and light diving activities. This reference helped solidify Omega's reputation in the burgeoning dive watch market of the era.

This particular Seamaster 120 features a stainless steel case, often with a diameter around 37mm, and is typically powered by an automatic mechanical movement, such as the Omega Caliber 552 or 565, known for their reliability. The watch is characterized by its rotating bezel, often bi-directional, and a screw-down case back, contributing to its water resistance. Dials varied, but commonly featured luminous hour markers and hands for legibility in low light conditions.

For collectors, the Seamaster 120 holds significance as a transitional model, bridging the gap between earlier Seamaster models and the more specialized dive watches that would follow. Its enduring design and robust construction mean that well-maintained examples can still perform to their original specifications, as demonstrated by successful pressure testing. It offers a tangible connection to Omega's heritage in aquatic timekeeping.

Specifications

Caliber
Omega Caliber 552 or 565
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
Approximately 37mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
120 meters
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
VI
VinnieD
Jan 17, 2024
Thanks for this piece of history

I had never quite understood that reference: your post explains everything. Lovely! I prefer the thin, manual-wound version - nearly pulled the trigger some years ago

LM
lm6
Jan 17, 2024
Interesting post, thank you.

AW
aWtchslvr
Jan 17, 2024
A very nice reference I didn’t know about.

HO
hora12reborn
Jan 17, 2024
Thanks for sharing this interesting post.

RE
Revilo
Jan 17, 2024
Looks almost completely modern; amazing

AM
amanico
Jan 17, 2024
A time capsule and some great documents, as well!

Available on the marketplace

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Omega forum with 6 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →