1967 Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.024
Why This Watch Matters
The answer to the world of 1960s dive watches, this Omega Seamaster 300 remains one of the most capable daily wearers ever made.
The Full Story
The Omega Seamaster is one of the best-known watches out there, with a lengthy history that spans from the 1950s up to today. From its utilitarian presence on the wrists of personnel in the British Royal Navy during World War II, to its current status as James Bond's go-to watch, you honestly can't go wrong with an Omega Seamaster.
This Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 was built in 1967. The cases for this reference were built by two different case makers. Initially, they were produced by Huguenin Frères (HF), and later, by Centrale Boîtes (CB); this example was produced by the latter, as denoted by the "CB" stamp on the inside caseback.
This watch has aesthetic elements that are reminiscent of other legendary dive watches of the same era. It features the prized "sword hands" that are similar to those found on the Rolex Mil-Sub, as well as a wide-set black bezel comparable to the bezel on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The black dial of this Seamaster 300 was designed with legibility in mind, with no date aperture, large tritium lume plots, and Arabic numerals at the cardinal points. The 42mm × 12mm steel case is large for the era, but perfect for wear today.
Complete on its original Omega flat-link bracelet, this example is in absolutely stunning condition. From the light lume patina to the deep matte dial and the sharp edges on the twisted lug case, all of the condition details are there. Important to note is the pristine bezel condition, an extreme rarity on these lumed bezels.
According to Omega's registry, the production date on this example is listed as November 9, 1967 and subsequently delivered to Mexico.
The Fine Print
Maker: Omega
Model: Seamaster 300
Reference: 165.024
Year: 1967
Case No: N/A
Movement No: 25608746
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 41mm diameter; 13mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Omega, self-winding, caliber 552
Bracelet/Strap: Omega, stainless steel, flat-link no. 13 ref. 1039 bracelet and 516 end links (Approximate max wrist size 178mm / 7.0in)
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No
What We Love And What You Should Know
Things We Love:
- Twisted lug, CB case
- Crisp case condition
- Broad arrow hands
Things To Know:
- Scratches on case and bracelet
- Hands have been color corrected
This Seamaster is in overall very good condition. The case is strong with light scratches and some light nicks. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks. The brushed and polished surfaces on the case are still clearly visible. The twisted lug edges have remained sharp. The case appears to be overall crisp. The Hippocampus and engraving on the caseback is crisp and visible as well as the beveled edge.
The dial is in excellent condition with a light patina to the matte black surface. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to a pleasing off-white color. The lume in the hands has been color corrected to match that of the dial. The hands have developed some patina.
The bezel has remained in stunning condition with some scratches and light signs of wear throughout. The dial, crown, case, movement, and crystal are all signed by Omega. The Omega "flat-link" bracelet is in good condition with very little stretch. The stretch links next to the clasp are still fairly tight. The clasp has some scratches. The no. 516 end links are correct for this reference. The clasp is dated "1 69," and matches well with the production date on the extract.
This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
