Omega

The Seamaster 300 is not only a legend among the Omega models, it is also an icon for all the diver’s watches collectors. It was born in 1957, with all the characteristics of a toolwatch: a large stainless steel case with a screw on back, a very thick crystal, a rotating graduated bezel, a black dial with numbers and luminous indexes and very legible hands. It was first issued under reference 2913 as waterproof to 200 meters, like the Rolex Submariner of the same period.

In 1965, a new version of the Seamaster 300 was launched, with the reference 165.024: it was fitted with a new movement (cal. 565, with or without date), a wider bezel and a larger case identical to the new version of the Speedmaster.

In 1970, the development of professional Scuba diving watch lead Omega to upgraded to watch and launch the Seamaster 600 under the reference 166.077, with a monocoque case of a revolutionary shape, a monolithic mineral crystal and a rotating bezel with red safety pusher. The dark blue dial and oversize orange hand gave the watch a very unique look. The ultimate evolution of the Seamaster will be the Seamaster 1000, produced in very few examples.

Here are my three generations of Seamasters side by side. The evolution of the size is obvious, as well as the common characteristics (like the funny hands…).

 

The side view emphasizes the differences in case thickness and structure:

 

It is worthwhile to notice that if we aligned versions of the Rolex Submariner and Sea Dweller  ranging from 1962 to 1977, there would be much less differences than for the Omega Seamaster. Indeed, the design of the Rolex Submariner and Sea Dweller has remained quite the same over the years, whereas the evolution has been much more spectacular for the Omega Seamaster.

The caseback engraving is another characteristic of the Seamaster (a common characteristics of all Omega sportswtaches, like the Speedmaster and Railmaster). The earlier model has a flat back, my example having the additional military F.A.P engraving:

 

The 165.024 has a more rounded caseback, but with the same Seahorse logo engraving and text:

 

Here are some details about my watches, provided by the Omega Museum archives in Bienna:

The early Seamaster is a reference 14755 that was delivered in 1963 to the Fuerza Aerea del Peru.

 

My later model is a reference 165.024 and was sold in 1968 to China, which is probably very rare.

 

I have already told the story of my one owner Seamaster 600 in details here. An amazing watch with a unique history and full diving records:

omega.watchprosite.com

The movement was manufactured in 1972 and the watch was sold in Spain in 1977.

 

Let’s finish this fifteen years time line with some Seamaster advertisings through the years, again the evolutions is quite remarkable:

This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2014-01-30 04:17:58 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2014-02-06 00:03:07

These Omega Subs are really very interesting.

This line of watces has given birth to strong icons. From the magnificient and very sensual CK 2913 to the Ploprof Beast.

Maybe it is time for me to hunt a Ploprof...

Thanks for this very interesting post, Jeff. Your CK 14755 PAF is killing me, each time I see it.

Best,

Nicolas

....and maybe even a 165024 ?

Which I still own, and I had to re buy the 165 024 which was stolen, too...

My history with Omega is a complicated one...

But you are right: I have a CK 2913, a special 165024, and now,a Ploprof would not be a silly addition... That crossed my mind... More than once.



Best, Jeff.

Nicolas

Big triangle is one of my dreams.

Thanks Dr. for showing those gorgeous SM from the past.

Cheers,

Nilo

...unfortunately I had to give this one back to his owner. He missed his watch too much, I did not want to break his heart ;-)

..The domed crystal on your 165.024 looks amazing in those shots!!

Very interesting post.

With regard to the sword hands on the 165.024, I see in some advertising, that there was also a model with straight hands. Do you know if there is any significance? I always thought the sword hands were the reserve for Military ordered pieces.

And of course, as a member of the POG, I have to say that the ploprof is looking very masterful beside the to two SM300's!!

 

Cheers Tony

 

...were used until circa 1965 and then replaced by the sword hands.

...we definitely have to set up a GTG of the Ploprof Owner Group someday ;-)

I had hard time checking that point, when I did my homework on this SM 300.

Best,
Nicolas.

I was starting to get confused, thinking I'd missed an in between reference.

 

And yes Jeff, completely agree for the POG! Although I might also be able to join you two in the SM300 owners group soon as well!!

Cheers Tony

...and less than 80 from your serial no. !

I'll make a trip to Paris when it comes.

Cheers Tony

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... "variation," the 166.0324, for those who haven't seen it. This watch has a cal 565 movement (i.e., vintage guts) but NOS case, dial, hands, etc. Some folks dislike its existence, while others (such as I) am grateful for it. Omega's vintage website said this about the 166.0324:

This reference is considered as an after sales item since 1999-2000 and doesn’t consequently belong to our International Collection. It is related to a modern watchhead, crown, dial, hands and case back for the Seamaster 300 Series from the 60's (ref. ST 165.024 of cal. 550 or 552 and ST 166.024 of cal. 565). The reason is that no watch heads were available anymore for these two watch styles and that we had then to create some new to guarantee the after sales service for such watch styles. Of course, the movement corresponding to ref. 166.0324 should always be a "vintage" movement related to the Seamaster 300 Series from the 60's.
Case : round (42 mm diameter)
Case back : engraved with the sea horse medallion and "Seamaster Certified High Pressure Waterproof".
Bezel : rotating stainless steel bezel with inserted “0-60” black scale.
Size between case lugs : 20 mm





And here's a picture of this watch alongside its progeny (1st gen Planet Ocean SM600), followed by the reissued Ploprof 1200m, another Omega "home run" reissue IMHO:





Thanks again for starting this thread!
This message has been edited by CR on 2014-01-30 19:44:01

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... on a wonderful and historical line of diving watches.

Your examples are superb, and I am specially  fond of your FAP specimen. What a timepiece!!

I love these watches, and find them so charming and enjoyable to wear them on the wrist! They look so cool!

Mine say hello! to your great collection!

Very cordially, Abel.

... to relume or not tu relume, that is the question!

I didn´t wish to take any risk and gave priority to originality!

Un abrazo mi amigo!
Afectuosamente, Abel.

Now, if it is too problematic for you, I can take care of the Watch.

Un abrazo, Dexter.

Bloody Vlad.

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Thank you for sharing your SM 300 Journey!

Here are a few more Seamaster 300 documents to share...

1959

1963

1965

Best

Blomman

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