Vintage Omega Seamaster 166.028 Automatic Watch 1968 Serviced UK Warranty

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Omega Seamaster 166.028
Movement: Omega Calibre 565 automatic, 24 jewels
Age: Circa 1968
Case Size: 36.5mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Lugs: 19mm
Condition: Used vintage Omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty UK only

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Sunburst dial
• Fully serviced automatic movement
  
• Signed Omega crown
  
• Signed Omega crystal
  
• Paired on an unworn grey leather strap
  

THE WATCH

This Seamaster catches Omega halfway through changing the shape of the 1960s. The dial is still everything we expect from the period, restrained and neatly ordered, but move out towards the edge and the watch becomes much more architectural. The broad brushed bezel and short angular lugs give the 166.028 a presence that points towards the stronger case design of the decade that followed.

That contrast is what makes the reference work. It has the calm, everyday character of a classic Seamaster without simply looking like another round 1960s dress watch. At roughly 36.5mm it was also a comparatively substantial Omega for its time, something collectors often recognise today as part of the appeal of this case family.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The two reference numbers associated with this case are not a mistake. Omega used the same basic case for the regular Seamaster 166.028 and the chronometer-certified 168.022. The difference is inside: the 166.028 is associated with the non-chronometer Calibre 565, while the 168.022 used the chronometer-grade Calibre 564. That is why examples can be found with both references stamped inside the caseback.

It makes the movement more than a specification here; it is what tells us which version of the watch we are looking at.

OUR THOUGHTS

We like watches that show design moving rather than arriving fully formed, and this Seamaster does exactly that. From the centre of the dial it is calm, traditional Omega; by the time you reach the broad bezel and angular lugs it has started leaning towards the 1970s. That tension between familiar and new is what makes the 166.028 so good.