Omega Wristwatch Seamaster Chronograph 176.007 Vintage 1973

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seamster 176.007
Movement: omega 1040/ Lemania 1340
Age: 1973
Case Size: 38mm
Case thickness: 15mm
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Lug width: 22mm
Condition: used omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear
• Case and case back has some light scratches and marks
  
• Matte blue dial
• Omega signed crown
• Fully serviced chronograph movement
• Paired with an unworn blue Italian leather strap

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Omega Seamaster was first introduced in 1948, launched to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary. Drawing on technology developed for military watches during World War II, the early Seamaster models were designed as stylish yet durable timepieces. These watches offered water resistance suitable for daily wear and light aquatic activity, combining elegance with a new level of functionality for the time.

In 1957, Omega released the Seamaster 300, a true professional dive watch. Although rated for 200 meters, it was marketed as a 300-meter diver due to its robust construction. It quickly gained popularity among divers and military professionals and was part of Omega’s legendary "Professional Trilogy," alongside the Speedmaster and Railmaster. This marked a shift from the dressier origins of the Seamaster to a more tool-oriented watch.

During the 1960s and 70s, the Seamaster line expanded significantly. Omega introduced models like the Seamaster De Ville, which leaned toward elegant dress watches, and more experimental designs such as the Seamaster Cosmic with its distinctive cases and dials. The line continued to evolve with features like chronograph functions, automatic movements, and even integrated bracelets, showing off both Omega’s technical capabilities and stylistic innovation.

THE WATCH

The Omega Seamaster 176.007 is a bold and mechanically sophisticated vintage chronograph produced between 1972 and around 1976, this watch is from 1973. It features a distinctive cushion-shaped case (approximately 38 × 42 mm) it is powered by the Omega calibre 1040, an automatic chronograph movement based on the Lemania 1340. Introduced in the early 1970s, it was Omega’s first automatic chronograph and remains notable for its technical sophistication and reliability. The calibre 1040 features 22 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. It includes a central chronograph seconds hand, a rare central minute counter with an airplane-shaped tip, a 12-hour chronograph totalizer at 6 o’clock, and a running seconds/24-hour AM-PM indicator at 9 o’clock. The movement also features a date function with quickset adjustment via the crown. Mechanically, it is equipped with a Glucydur mono-metallic balance, a Swiss lever escapement, Incabloc shock protection, and a bi-directional ball-bearing rotor for efficient winding. Its integrated design and smooth operation make it a standout among vintage chronograph calibres, especially during a time when automatic chronographs were just emerging in the industry. The 176.007 was available in multiple variants—stainless steel with blue or silver dials, gold-plated with brown or gold dials, and a very rare full 18k gold model—it combines colourful 1970s design with robust Swiss engineering. Despite often being confused with the “Jedi” nickname (more correctly applied to the 176.005), the 176.007 can be known as Rogue Jedi" or "False Jedi and has developed a loyal following for its unique style and horological significance.

OUR THOUGHTS

I really like the Omega Seamaster 176.007 because it perfectly captures the bold, adventurous spirit of the 1970s with its chunky cushion case and colourful, functional dial. The layout is busy but balanced, and the central chronograph minute hand gives it a unique edge over typical vintage Chronos. Its use of the calibre 1040 adds mechanical credibility, while the dial and case finishes make it feel personal and collectible. It’s a watch with real character—distinctive, reliable, and full of vintage charm.